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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Doublestar Tire emerged as a standout exhibitor at the 21st China (Shanghai) International Tire & Wheel Expo (CITEXPO), which commenced on 2 September at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. The event, recognised as a premier professional gathering in the Asia-Pacific region, attracted over 400 international exhibitors displaying the latest industry innovations. Among them, Doublestar distinguished itself with a portfolio focused on high differentiation and added value, capturing significant attention from attendees.

In response to varied overseas requirements, the tyre manufacturer presented a comprehensive product range addressing commercial and passenger vehicle applications. For the commercial sector, the flagship TBR tyre D902 was engineered with an abrasion-resistant compound and an advanced tread design. This configuration ensures stability and longevity under high-temperature, long-haul conditions, offering fleet operators a balance of dependable performance and economic efficiency.

The passenger vehicle lineup featured the EV95 SAFORT tyre, a specialised product for new energy vehicles incorporating the company’s proprietary ‘Safort’ support technology. This innovation addresses critical new energy vehicle demands, including reduced rolling resistance and minimal noise levels. The exhibition also included additional differentiated products, underscoring Doublestar’s commitment to understanding and fulfilling evolving consumer preferences through targeted engineering.

Throughout the expo, the company’s booth drew sustained interest from domestic and international buyers, with the overseas sales team outlining technical benefits and application-specific advantages. These interactions led to substantive discussions and positive indications for prospective partnerships. Looking ahead, Doublestar intends to persist in developing safer, more energy-efficient tire solutions, reinforcing the competitive standing of Chinese tire manufacturers in the global marketplace.

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BendPak has announced that all current models within its Ranger line of wheel balancers and tyre changers now feature ETL certification as a standard offering. This independent validation, conducted by Intertek Testing Services, confirms that the equipment complies with applicable UL and CSA safety standards for both the United States and Canadian markets. The certification rigorously covers electrical, pneumatic and mechanical safety requirements, ensuring robust operator protection and adherence to workplace compliance regulations.

The achievement of this certification was the result of an extensive 18-month internal project focused on comprehensively redesigning critical components. The initiative mandated sweeping upgrades across the equipment's electrical architecture, structural framework and both mechanical and pneumatic systems to meet the stringent criteria. Every aspect of the machines was scrutinised to ensure they could withstand the demands of the certification process.

Throughout the development cycle, a primary emphasis was placed on mitigating operator risks inherent in daily tire service tasks. Engineers systematically assessed potential hazards, including pinch-point dangers, moving parts, electrical and fire risks and high-pressure systems. When existing configurations fell short of the required benchmarks, teams implemented complete redesigns, replaced substandard parts and integrated new protective safeguards to address these vulnerabilities.

Following these extensive modifications, each piece of equipment underwent a battery of rigorous tests to verify its safety and performance prior to final approval. The certified lineup includes models such as the DST30PX, LS45DS, RB30T, DST2420X, R745, R980XR, R76ATR, R980DP, R80EX and R26FLT. These certified units are now clearly identifiable by the ETL mark displayed on their product labels.

Jeff Kritzer, President and CEO, BendPak, said, “The end result is not just a certification mark. Certification represents a fundamentally higher level of product engineering, component quality, mechanical and electrical safety, durability and overall North American compliance, giving customers confidence that their Ranger equipment is built to the highest standards.”

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Hankook Tire will take on the sponsorship role for the ‘Best Use of Technology’ prize at the upcoming Motor Transport Awards in September, reinforcing its active role in celebrating industry progress. The award specifically targets organisations that harness digital tools, hardware upgrades or system overhauls to produce real-world gains in freight movement and logistical coordination.

Following the release of the 2026 finalist roster, the technology category has narrowed its focus to three contenders: Explore, GXO and HF Owen Transport & Storage. Each enterprise has put forward evidence of how their chosen technical strategies have resolved persistent operational hurdles while also boosting service quality for their client bases.

The September gala holds added weight this year, as the Motor Transport Awards reach their 40th anniversary of honouring top performers in British road haulage. Scheduled for the Grosvenor House Hotel along Park Lane, the gathering will draw upwards of 1,250 senior figures from across the sector, offering a prime setting for peer recognition and forward-looking dialogue.

Presenting the trophy will be Paul Emery, Sales Director at Hankook Tyre UK, whose presence underscores the brand’s parallel pursuit of advanced mobility solutions. Beyond the competitive element, the evening serves as a networking hub and a moment to assess broader industry shifts, all while Hankook deepens its ties to one of the transport world’s most enduring award platforms.

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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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