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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Eurogrip Tyres, a prominent two- and three-wheeler tyre brand under TVS Srichakra Ltd., recently orchestrated a strategic trade engagement initiative in Mumbai. The event served as a platform to underscore the brand’s distinct European engineering heritage and to showcase its newly introduced, Europe-inspired product lineup, reinforcing its commitment to advanced mobility solutions.

Silvio Montanari, the Head of Design and R&D based in Milan, steered the session, offering a comprehensive overview of the company's foundational product development strategies. He elaborated on emerging tyre technologies and the robust engineering frameworks that underpin Eurogrip’s international portfolio while also updating trade partners on the pivotal innovations poised to define future tyre generations and address shifting rider demographics.

Concurrently, Eurogrip is executing an aggressive expansion of its distribution and retail footprint nationwide. This growth strategy ensures that its diverse range, encompassing radial, adventure, touring and commuter tyres, is now readily accessible to consumers across every region of India, thereby solidifying its market presence.

T K Ravi, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Eurogrip Tyres, said, "Today, Eurogrip is recognised globally as a specialist in 2‑wheeler tyres, and our premium range has found strong acceptance among biking communities in India and abroad. It is a privilege to bring our Milan team to India to demonstrate the engineering and technology behind our products. This engagement gives our trade partners the technical insights and market updates they need to better serve customers and riders, and they pave the way for a wider roll‑out of our Europe‑benchmarked products in India.”

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Cabot Corporation has officially released its 2026 Sustainability Report, which details the company’s environmental, social and governance performance throughout the 2025 calendar year. The document serves as a comprehensive account of the organisation’s measurable outcomes, culminating in the final assessment of its previous five-year sustainability strategy.

By the conclusion of 2025, the speciality chemicals firm had successfully achieved 14 of its 15 original sustainability targets established in 2020. Eleven of these objectives were completed ahead of the projected timeline, effectively fulfilling the company’s ambition to embed sustainable practices more deeply into its operational framework and corporate systems.

Looking forward, Cabot has transitioned to its newly established 2030 Sustainability Goals, which concentrate on six priority areas deemed most significant to its business model. Early progress includes a collaborative effort with the International Carbon Black Association to create a standardised lifecycle assessment methodology for furnace carbon black. The company intends to develop a certified internal tool for tracking product carbon footprints across its entire portfolio. Additionally, an initiative at the Franklin, Louisiana, facility has converted synthetic gypsum into a cement ingredient, slashing site landfill waste by 87 percent and contributing to a 70 percent global reduction in non-hazardous waste disposal.

The 2026 report has been prepared in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and supports Cabot’s ongoing participation in the United Nations Global Compact. These disclosures mark a significant step in the company's continuing journey toward greater transparency and industrial responsibility.

Sean Keohane, President and CEO, said, “Sustainability is embedded in how we operate and underpins our purpose of creating materials that improve daily life and enable a more sustainable future. I am immensely proud of the unwavering commitment of our teams across the globe as we close out our 2025 Sustainability Goals while making headway on our next key priorities, delivering meaningful impact today and for future generations. As we advance in our efforts, we remain focused on strengthening the integration between our sustainability agenda and our Creating for Tomorrow strategy, ensuring sustainability remains a catalyst for value creation and differentiation.”

Jennifer Chittick, Senior Vice President, Safety, Health and Environment (SH&E) and Government Affairs, and Chief Sustainability Officer, said, “As we conclude our 2025 Sustainability Goals, we are entering the next chapter of our sustainability journey with momentum and clear direction. Building on our strong foundation of safety, innovation and operational excellence, we are making measurable progress towards our targeted 2030 Sustainability Goals through initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint and strengthen our overall impact across our value chain. Through collaboration, process optimisation and strategic investments in technology, I am confident that we will continue to advance our commitments and deliver long-term results for our stakeholders worldwide.”

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Tegeta Green Planet, in collaboration with Shine Energy, spearheaded an environmental education initiative at Lampari School-Lyceum on 8 May 2026. The programme targeted seventh through ninth-grade students, focusing on the interconnected themes of sustainable development, transportation and energy consumption under the theme ‘A Sustainable Future: Environment, Transportation and Energy’.

The session moved beyond traditional lectures, employing interactive presentations and hands-on activities to engage the young audience. Core topics covered included resource efficiency, waste management strategies and the significance of renewable energy sources, alongside an exploration of individual environmental responsibility. A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the Extended Producer Responsibility system, clarifying its mechanisms and vital function in safeguarding the environment.

The event’s interactive nature was underscored by a series of educational games and team challenges that saw enthusiastic participation from the students. To mark their involvement and completion of the programme, each participant received certificates and symbolic gifts, recognising their engagement with the material.

Established in 2022, Tegeta Green Planet stands as a pioneering authorised organisation in Georgia, operating under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture’s EPR framework. The entity manages the complete lifecycle of used tyres, oils and batteries, adhering to circular economy principles. This school visit forms part of an ongoing series of educational meetings designed to cultivate an environmentally conscious generation and instil a culture of stewardship, which both organisations consider essential for long-term ecological sustainability.

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Continental’s presence at the 2026 Tour de France will be notably pronounced, with the German manufacturer supplying road bike tyres to six competing teams. From 4th to 26th July, more than a quarter of the peloton will rely on tyres produced at Continental’s Korbach plant in Hesse. Over the three-week event, the company will provide over 1,000 tyres, all manufactured and tested at the German facility.

The six teams utilising Continental rubber are Groupama-FDJ United, UAE Team Emirates – XRG, Movistar Team, Bahrain-Victorious, Decathlon CMA CGM and Uno-X Mobility. Teams have access to four tyre models for different stage conditions. The Grand Prix 5000 S TR serves as the primary option, offering balanced rolling resistance, puncture defence and weight.

For wet weather, the all-season Grand Prix 5000 AS TR provides superior grip. Time trial specialists favour the lightweight Grand Prix 5000 TT TR, while the Aero 111 tyre handles windy stages with its aerodynamic tread pattern. All models are tubeless-ready, allowing sealant to seal small punctures automatically.

Continental’s involvement extends beyond bicycles, as over 70 support vehicles and 30 motorbikes will use Continental tyres. As an official main partner, Continental will present stage winners with their trophies. The tyres are commercially available, allowing recreational cyclists to purchase the same products used by professionals.

The company develops tyres using both laboratory data and racing feedback. Test rigs measure rolling resistance and durability, while professional riders provide handling data under extreme conditions. Hannah Ferle, Continental’s product expert, has noted that racing exposes tyres to conditions impossible to replicate in the lab, and these insights directly inform product development.

Balancing low weight, high grip, low rolling resistance and puncture protection remains a central challenge. Continental addresses this through rubber compounding and reinforcing layers beneath the tread. Since the first Tour in 1903, average speeds have risen from 25 to over 40 kilometres per hour, reflecting ongoing technological evolution.

Ferle said, “The trust placed in us by the six teams is both an honour and an incentive. The Tour is decided by the smallest details: on every stage, in every kind of weather and on every surface. That is why we put so much time and effort into developing our tyres in close collaboration with the professional racing teams. And ultimately, recreational riders benefit as well.”

Pelayo Sánchez, a rider on the Movistar team, said, “Sometimes a race is decided by a fraction of a second. To focus on our legs, we need to be able to rely on tyres that deliver top performance at all times.”

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