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)
wdk Proposes ‘Industrial SMEs’ Parliamentary Circle To Ease Business Burdens
- By TT News
- November 28, 2025
The German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) is advocating for the creation of a dedicated ‘Industrial SMEs’ parliamentary circle. This proposal responds to the significant challenges faced by medium-sized industrial companies, which the association believes are frequently misjudged by political decision-makers. wdk President Michael Klein emphasised that a high-performance industrial middle tier exists in Germany, positioned between major corporations and small artisanal businesses. He argues that the critical role of these firms deserves greater recognition within parliamentary proceedings, and the proposed cross-party group would be an effective measure to achieve this.
The German rubber industry itself serves as a prime example of this vital sector. Its companies are often ‘hidden champions’, leading the global market in specialised niches and supplying indispensable products that underpin diverse areas of the economy. Despite this importance, medium-sized industrial enterprises consistently fall through the cracks of policy. Legislators in both Germany and Europe often demonstrate a lack of awareness regarding the specific capacities and limitations of these businesses, leading to disproportionate bureaucratic burdens.
A dedicated parliamentary circle would establish a direct channel for dialogue, allowing committed policymakers to engage with company representatives. This forum would provide valuable, ground-level insights and act as an essential political corrective. The wdk contends that such an initiative would not only provide much-needed support to the numerous medium-sized industries but would also strengthen the national economy as a whole.
WACKER Launches PACE Programme For Cost Savings
- By TT News
- November 27, 2025
In response to significant economic pressures within the chemical industry, WACKER has initiated a comprehensive efficiency programme named PACE. The project, launched in October, is designed to secure substantial and permanent annual cost savings exceeding EUR 300 million. A primary focus will be on optimising fixed production costs and administrative structures.
To achieve this financial target, the company anticipates a reduction of more than 1,500 positions globally, with the majority of job cuts affecting its German sites. This workforce adjustment is expected to account for approximately half of the total savings. The company, which had previously forecast a net loss for 2025, intends to fully implement all PACE measures by the end of 2027. This strategic move aims to strengthen WACKER's operational resilience amid a challenging business climate.
Christian Hartel, President and CEO, WACKER, said, "We are currently working on measures to achieve our cost-saving targets. The aim is to reduce our costs to a competitive level through savings. This will put WACKER back on the road to success." Emphasising the need for competitive framework conditions, he added, "Particularly in Germany, the excessively high energy prices and bureaucratic obstacles continue to act as a central brake on the successful development of the chemical industry."
Bridgestone India Opens New Select Store In Punjab
- By TT News
- November 27, 2025
Bridgestone India, a subsidiary of the Bridgestone Group, has announced the opening of its latest Bridgestone Select Store, Arora Wheel and Car Accessories, in Firozpur, Punjab.
The store was inaugurated by Rajiv Sharma, Executive Director – Integrated Consumer Business, Bridgestone India.
The Bridgestone Select stores represent the company’s retail format that delivers a comprehensive ownership experience. These outlets provide guidance, diagnostics, and infrastructure, ensuring safety, performance and driving confidence.
Rajiv Sharma, Executive Director – Integrated Consumer Business, Bridgestone India, said, “Punjab is a key market for Bridgestone, and the opening of our new Select Store in Firozpur reflects our focus on being closer to customers, through modern, high-quality retail touchpoints. At Bridgestone, we are committed to providing not just superior products but also an enhanced customer experience that combines premium products & services along with Bridgestone’s promise of safety, and trust. The Select Store format allows us to deliver the best of Bridgestone’s global expertise with a local, customer-first approach”
Arora Wheels is making available Bridgestone’s latest offerings: Turanza 6i and Dueler All-Terrain A/T002. The Turanza 6i is engineered with ENLITEN technology and delivers a driving experience. Compatible with both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles (EVs), this tyre is EV-ready, offering efficiency, comfort and durability for mobility.
The Dueler All-terrain A/T002 is built for adventure and is a said to be a preferred choice among off-road enthusiasts. Its tread design and on- and off-road capabilities make it the choice for drivers seeking performance without compromising control or safety.
Michelin India Opens Three New Tyre Stores In Tamil Nadu
- By TT News
- November 27, 2025
Michelin, a tyre technology company, has expanded its network in India with the inauguration of three new Michelin Tyres & Services (MTS) stores in Tamil Nadu.
Two stores were launched in Coimbatore: one with Covai Tyres in Sundarapuram, and another with Carzone in Goundermills. The third facility was inaugurated with Carworld Automotive in Tirupur.
Each new dealership offers Michelin’s complete range of products, along with advanced diagnostic tools and high precision equipment for alignment, balancing and car services. The new facilities were inaugurated by Prashant Sharma, National Sales Director at Michelin India.
Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said: “The opening of three new Michelin Tyres & Services Stores in Tamil Nadu reflects our continued investment in expanding our retail network and strengthening consumer access to our products and services. These new touchpoints align with our broader strategy as we prepare to introduce our Made-in-India passenger car tyre range, ensuring we are well positioned to serve the evolving needs of our consumers.”
Tamil Nadu is a key market for Michelin, supported by the company’s production facility in Chennai. Michelin stated it is focused on delivering mobility experiences that combine safety, durability, and performance through collaboration with partners like Covai Tyres, Carzone and Carworld Automotive.
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