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)
Michelin Debuts XDR Wide Body Truck Tyre Globally
- By TT News
- October 23, 2026
Michelin has introduced its first tyre engineered specifically for the new generation of wide body trucks, bringing its established safety and performance standards to a segment traditionally served by Tier-3 products. The MICHELIN XDR Wide Body Truck is positioned as a premium offering for mining fleets, built to handle high loads and speeds while delivering robustness and puncture resistance in demanding mining environments.
Wide body trucks are gaining global traction in mining because they strike an appealing balance among payload capacity, safety and acquisition cost. Michelin developed and launched the new fitment in under two years by combining intensive field analysis with agility, responding to mining customers’ needs for safety and productivity. The tyre also supports fleets moving towards more efficient and increasingly electrified haulage solutions, addressing demands for safety, productivity and operating cost control.
Safety remains paramount in mining, where a tyre failure can seriously affect personnel, equipment and operational continuity. The new tyre therefore features an innovative casing fully reinforced with thick steel cords, enabling it to carry 12 tonnes (26,786 lbs) per tyre at a recommended pressure of 9-bar (130 PSI) – significantly lower than typical market recommendations, which helps reduce blowout risk.
The MICHELIN XDR Wide Body Truck sustains heavy loads at continuous speeds, supporting productivity during intensive duty cycles. It offers strong traction, particularly on soft or muddy ground, while its robust tread compound resists damage, provides excellent grip and extends service life, optimising total cost of ownership. These qualities help cut unplanned downtime and maintenance costs, improve equipment availability and maximise material haulage volumes. The tyre launches worldwide in its first size, 16.00 R25, on 1 November 2026, with additional sizes to follow.
Kevin Maleterre, Director – Michelin Beyond Road, said, “Wide body trucks are playing an increasingly important role in mining operations. With the MICHELIN XDR Wide Body Truck, we are applying our expertise in mining applications to this new generation of vehicles, with a clear aim: to help our customers combine safety, productivity and the development of their fleets.”
Tegeta Green Planet Brings Environmental Message To Youth Forums Across Georgia
- By TT News
- October 23, 2026
Tegeta Green Planet recently participated in youth forums held across five Georgian cities – Mestia, Telavi, Gori, Kutaisi and Zugdidi – as part of the Eco Awards School Competition. The events gave young people a platform to exchange knowledge on environmental issues, explore new ideas and discuss green initiatives.
Alongside the discussions, display areas devoted to Tegeta Green Planet and Amboli introduced visitors to the two organisations' work, their approach to handling waste and their sense of environmental duty. Guests stopping by the Tegeta Green Planet section heard about the company's core operations, the thinking behind Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and why the circular economy matters.
A varied programme kept participants engaged, with educational games and hands-on exercises built to sharpen their grasp of environmental questions and push them to put what they learned into practice. International specialists and invited speakers also addressed the forums, drawing on their own experience to examine ecological difficulties and possible remedies.
Organised to deepen environmental consciousness among the young and advance sustainable development, the Eco Awards School Competition drew 280 pupils and 100 teachers from 24 public schools throughout Georgia. It operates with backing from the European Union and the United Nations through the Circular Economy Promotion Programme. For Tegeta Green Planet, reaching young audiences is central to building a lasting sense of responsibility, with sound waste practices, resource reuse and circular economy principles at the heart of its efforts to drive long-term change.
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."
Comments (0)
ADD COMMENT