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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The Tire Industry Project (TIP) has announced the selection of five research proposals under its inaugural Open Call for Projects (OCP), awarding nearly USD 2 million in total funding. This initiative, designed to advance the global scientific understanding of tyre wear emissions and their mitigation, also coincides with the launch of a second funding round focused on ecological impacts.

The first OCP, which concluded in late 2024, attracted 22 submissions over a four-month period. An evaluation committee composed of TIP experts and external technical assessors selected the five awardees based on stringent criteria, including scientific relevance, methodological feasibility, innovation and potential societal impact. Three of the chosen projects will advance research into the environmental pathways and presence of tyre wear particles. These are led by institutions including Germany’s Technical University Darmstadt, which will map pollution in roadside soils; France’s Gustave Eiffel University, investigating particles in sewer systems and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, developing a new high-throughput method for detecting particles.

The remaining two projects are focused on developing practical mitigation solutions. Washington State University will research using tyre char to treat stormwater runoff, while the non-profit Ocean Conservancy will evaluate the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban areas to capture tyre wear pollution.

Concurrently, TIP has launched its 2025 Open Call for Projects, which will specifically address significant knowledge gaps concerning the potential ecological impacts of tyre wear emissions, including chemicals and leachates. This new focus is informed by TIP’s recent State of Knowledge paper series, which highlighted inconsistencies in the current scientific understanding. To support prospective applicants, TIP will host introductory webinars on 23 September 2025. The final deadline for proposal submissions to this global collaborative initiative is 15 January 2026.

Larisa Kryachkova, Executive Director, TIP, said, “The topic of tyre wear emissions is extremely complex – one that requires deep, evidence-based investigation and cross-stakeholder collaboration. Recognising this, we decided to complement our own research and mitigation initiatives by launching the Open Call for Projects, inviting stakeholders across the world to join us in the quest to uncover this multi-dimensional subject. The initiative reflects our long-term commitment to building a collaborative research ecosystem through public platforms. The OCP takes us one step forward in harnessing the collective brainpower of the scientific community and we look forward to evolving this further in the coming years.”

Dr John Bucher, part of TIP’s Assurance Group and a member of the OCP evaluation committee, said, “Sound science and robust evidence are essential to assessing the environmental challenges we face and to identifying the most effective solutions. Initiatives such as the OCP can act as a tremendous catalyst in this regard, opening a new world of possibilities. We are pleased with the diversity and quality of submissions received, which reaffirms the strong interest in this topic and the desire to engage in collaborative solutions.”

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Bridgestone Americas has introduced the new Alenza Prestige, a premium highway tyre designed for crossover utility vehicles (CUVs), sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and light trucks. This latest model integrates the company’s next-generation ENLITEN Technology to deliver a combination of luxury, performance and durability. A key feature is its extended limited mileage warranty, which offers coverage for up to 70,000 miles (approximately 112,654 km).

The tyre is engineered to provide a quiet and comfortable driving experience. This is achieved through QuietTrack Technology, an innovation designed to minimise tread pattern noise, and a wide centre rib that contributes to both a whisper-quiet ride and responsive handling. The use of advanced structural components and specialised compounds, including PeakLife Polymer, ensures the Alenza Prestige offers superior, long-lasting performance and an enhanced ride quality over its predecessor.

Significant improvements have been made in wet-weather safety. Testing demonstrates that the new Alenza Prestige stops six feet shorter than the Continental TrueContact Tour and eight feet shorter than the previous Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra, representing a four percent and six percent advantage in wet stopping distance, respectively. This enhanced braking performance is intended to give drivers greater confidence and control during rainy conditions.

Available for purchase in 47 sizes to fit wheel diameters from 16 to 22 inches, the tyre accommodates a wide range of popular vehicles, including models from Acura, Audi, BMW, GMC, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. The development of the Alenza Prestige also reflects Bridgestone’s broader E8 Commitment, specifically supporting the company’s values of Ecology, Extension and Ease.

Dale Harrigle Chief Engineer, Tyre Development, Bridgestone Americas, said, “The all-new Alenza Prestige premium highway tyre is for drivers who want a long-lasting, elegant and comfortable ride without compromising on consistent wet-weather performance. We designed it with rolling resistance technology for impressive fuel efficiency and a remarkable balance of performance and sustainability elements that match the qualities of premium CUVs, SUVs and trucks.”

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has announced a comprehensive price reduction across its entire product portfolio, effective from 22 September 2025. This strategic decision is a direct response to and aligned with the recent fiscal reforms enacted by the GST Council, which approved a substantial reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates for the tyre industry.

The revised tax structure slashes the levy on new pneumatic tyres from a previous rate of 28 percent down to 18 percent. In a more pronounced reduction aimed at supporting the agricultural community, the GST on tractor tyres and tubes has been lowered to just five percent. The company has emphasised its commitment to ensuring that the full benefit of these tax cuts is passed through directly to the end consumer, reflecting a customer-centric approach to the policy change.

Apollo Tyres' subsequent price adjustment will be applied universally across all its product lines. This includes tyres for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and off-highway and agricultural vehicles. The broad-based price cut is anticipated to have a widespread positive impact on vehicle ownership and operational expenses. To guarantee a smooth and uniform transition to the new pricing model across the country, Apollo Tyres has already initiated a coordinated effort with its extensive network of distributors and retail partners, ensuring the revised prices are effectively communicated and implemented at all points of sale.

Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President – Commercial (India, SAARC and Southeast Asia), Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “We welcome the GST Council’s progressive decision, which will bring tangible benefits to both the industry and end-users. In keeping with our commitment to transparency and customer value, we are transferring 100 percent of the tax benefits to our consumers.”

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Fuelled by robust domestic vehicle production, aftermarket demand and a surge in automotive exports, India's tyre industry is poised for transformative growth. A joint vision from the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) and PwC India projects that by 2047, production volumes could quadruple, while revenue is expected to multiply 12-fold to an estimated INR 13 trillion. This exponential financial expansion will be driven by a shift in the industry's revenue mix towards more premium products, rising raw material costs, a growing export share, the transition to electric vehicles and the emergence of servitisation models.

To achieve this ambitious vision, a strategic framework termed CHARGE has been proposed. This approach focuses on six critical levers: enhancing Customer relevance, upholding high-quality standards, fostering adaptability, building resilience through resource efficiency, driving growth via innovation and empowering strategic alliances. The framework is designed to help tyre manufacturers become more agile, customer-centric and technologically advanced to improve operational efficiency and global competitiveness.

Domestic growth will be primarily driven by strong original equipment and replacement markets. Rising incomes are boosting passenger and two-wheeler sales, while significant infrastructure investment is increasing commercial vehicle demand, in turn supporting aftermarket tyre sales. However, challenges such as domestic natural rubber availability and new mobility technologies could impact growth.

Concurrently, tyre exports are positioned for substantial expansion. Key strategies to accelerate international growth include innovation for specific use cases, securing new free trade agreements and enhancing cost competitiveness and brand perception. Nevertheless, exporters must navigate obstacles like volatile regulations and non-tariff barriers.

A significant trend will be the rise of servitisation, where fleet operators increasingly adopt professional tyre management services. Demand for these solutions, including tyre health monitoring and advisory services, will be driven by a focus on operational efficiency and customer requirements. For this market to reach its full potential, tyre companies must develop scalable, economically viable models while addressing data security and regulatory concerns.

Kavan Mukhtyar, Partner and Leader – Automotive, PwC India, said, "India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 presents a huge opportunity for the tyre industry, not only to meet the aspirations of its domestic customer base but also to exponentially scale up tyre exports, especially in the commercial vehicle and passenger vehicle segments across key markets like US and EU. Emerging consumer trends and mobility shifts, a dynamic global business environment and sustainability imperatives present a unique opportunity for the Indian tyre industry to transform itself and drive sustainable growth through 2047. Innovating at speed for global markets through advanced material engineering, finding sustainable alternatives for natural rubber and addressing sustainability imperatives throughout the value chain will be key to unlocking growth potential for the industry. Additionally, brand strengthening in export markets and investing in digital technologies across the value chain will be essential to drive productivity and a sustained global competitive advantage.”

Arun Mammen, Chairman, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), said, "The Indian tyre industry stands at the cusp of a transformational journey, driven by rapid economic growth, evolving mobility trends and an expanding global footprint. The findings of the ATMA-PwC report underscore the industry’s immense growth potential, with revenue projected to grow 12-fold by 2047. This growth will be fuelled by a shift towards premiumisation, sustainability-led innovation and a strong focus on technology and exports. As we move towards ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, the tyre industry is poised to play a pivotal role in enabling India’s automotive ambitions to build a resilient and future-ready sector."

Sanjay Dawar, Partner and Leader – One Consulting, PwC India, said, “The Indian tyre industry is at an inflection point, with the potential to create significant economic value and strengthen India’s global competitiveness. Achieving this 12-fold revenue growth will require a holistic approach – one that brings together innovation, sustainability, digital transformation and strong partnerships across the ecosystem. At PwC, we are committed to working alongside industry stakeholders to co-create strategies that can accelerate momentum, build resilience and help realise the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision."

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