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)
ZC Rubber Signals Long-Term European Commitment At THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026
- By TT News
- June 12, 2026
ZC Rubber made a strategic statement at THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026, held from 9 to 11 June, using the event to reaffirm its enduring dedication to the European automotive sector. The manufacturer placed its advanced WESTLAKE and GOODRIDE tyre families at the forefront of its exhibition.
A clear strategic pivot for the region was evident, as the company mapped out a wider European direction. Visitors were shown a full pipeline of new passenger car and light truck tyres destined for a second-half 2026 release, presented alongside the proven commercial truck portfolio and a handful of carefully selected previews set for 2027.
Considerable interest gathered around the passenger car and light truck offerings, specifically the upcoming summer and all-season ranges. Performance enthusiasts examined the WESTLAKE ZuperFlex Z-137 and GOODRIDE RideMax G-147 for ultra-high-performance vehicles, while off-road specialists focused on the WESTLAKE TERRA LEGEND SL399 and GOODRIDE MUD LEGEND SL388.
The WESTLAKE Zuper4S Z-411 emerged as a central solution for Europe’s unpredictable seasons. Engineered to manage wet roads, snow and dry tarmac in one package, the tyre uses V-shaped grooves to rapidly clear water and slush. Its high-density 3D siping provides braking stability on icy surfaces, while a specialised compound ensures consistent grip and long life across wide temperature ranges.
Within the commercial truck arena, ZC Rubber highlighted its established WESTLAKE Gen II series, already valued by European fleets for mileage. The WSL2 steer tyre was presented as a tool for stable handling and fuel savings, featuring optimised pressure distribution and a low-heat compound. The WDL2+ drive tyre was shown to deliver strong traction and even wear thanks to its rigid blocks and belt-wrap technology. Motorsport attendees saw the upgraded WESTLAKE Sport RS2 displayed alongside the Red Bull Driftbrothers’ drift car, a product of close racing collaboration now under consideration for future public sale.
The company also offered glimpses of 2027 innovations, including the WESTLAKE Z-301 van tyre, the GOODRIDE All Season G-721 and new truck solutions like the WTL2 and GOODRIDE M2. The latest passenger car and light truck tyres are expected across Europe in the latter half of 2026, while the premium WSL2 and WDL2+ truck tyres are already available. ZC Rubber confirmed it will continue advancing product development and regional support tailored to Europe’s varied climate and transport needs.
Leo Liao, General Manager, ZC Rubber Europe, commented, “The Tire Cologne gave us an important opportunity to show not only a broader product portfolio but a clearer direction for Europe. We are focusing on products that respond to the way European customers actually drive, operate and make purchasing decisions – from year-round mobility to long-haul efficiency and durability. These products reflect how we are listening to European customers and partners, and how we are building a portfolio that is more closely aligned with local market needs.”
Nokian Tyres Launches Road Trip Guide Featuring Driver-Submitted Destinations
- By TT News
- June 12, 2026
Nokian Tyres has launched its Road Trip Guide consumer campaign, running from Monday through 19 June at NokianTyresdotcom/Guide. The initiative, themed around real drivers, real destinations and real roads, invites motorists to submit lesser-known travel spots including roadside diners, remote trails, scenic views and unique landmarks.
The campaign website includes a tyre quiz to assist drivers in selecting the appropriate tyres for their journeys, along with safety tips designed to keep attention on the scenery rather than roadside issues. On its social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Threads under the handle @NokianTyresNA, the global tyre maker is sharing road trip safety advice, aspirational travel ideas and destination recommendations from tire dealers.
Several all-season, all-terrain and all-weather tyres from Nokian Tyres’ North American factory in Dayton, Tennessee, supply shops across United States and Canada. Popular models include the Nokian Tyres One, the Outpost all-terrain family, the all-weather Remedy WRG5 and the Surpass AS01, an ultra-high-performance tyre with puncture-resistant Aramid fibres introduced last year. The company, which invented the winter tyre, also unveiled the studded Hakkapeliitta 01, the first studded winter tyre with on-demand grip, available at tyre shops this fall.
Beyond the guide, Nokian Tyres is engaging travellers through a partnership with Alterra Mountain Company and appearances at Overland Expo events across United States. Globally, the company served as an Official Sponsor of the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships, which concluded at the end of May.
Hans Dyhrman, Director of Marketing, Nokian Tyres North America, said, “Safety is the foundation of every journey, from daily errands to cross-country road trips. Our Road Trip Guide is a great place for drivers to turn for inspiration and information that will help them make the most of their summer travels.”
Michelin Puts Speciality Tyres In The Spotlight As Growth Driver
- By TT News
- June 12, 2026
Michelin has redirected industry focus towards its speciality tyre division, a lesser-known but strategically essential part of the group’s operations. During its latest Media Day, held on 9 and 10 June 2026, the company welcomed visitors to its Almería Test Center in Spain, known as CEMA – a facility deliberately chosen for its exposure to Europe’s most punishing weather conditions. At this site, the group rigorously pushes its products to their breaking points, underscoring how critical this lesser-known division is to overall corporate strategy.
Specialty tyres are presented as vital components for industries where operational failures carry severe economic and human risks. They ensure safe aircraft landings, maintain continuous mining output and boost agricultural machinery performance under strict technical and regulatory demands. Rather than simple rubber parts, these products function as high-technology assets that keep the global economy running smoothly, performing reliably in some of the harshest environments on earth.
Financially, this segment has become Michelin’s most lucrative tyre activity, generating 17 percent of group revenue with a 13.1 percent operating margin in 2025. First-quarter 2026 data showed volume growth of 2.5 percent, with further expansion expected in structurally growing markets like air transport, logistics and defence, where annual growth rates range from three to eight percent. Research and development investments, 90 percent of which remain in France, support this trajectory alongside a manufacturing scale-up at Bourges and new industrial processes in Le Puy, Troyes and Montceau-les-Mines.
Michelin enhances client performance through specialised teams, digital services and enduring partnerships backed by 6,000 researchers and deep materials science expertise. Motorsport activities accelerate innovation by pushing tyres to their limits, while the CEMA facility itself serves as a unique living laboratory. With 113 kilometres of tracks, vast terrain and custom-built measurement tools from Clermont-Ferrand engineers, the centre is far more than a test track, standing as a central pillar of Michelin’s innovation strategy.
Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS Breaks Seven-Minute Barrier With Electric Porsche At Nürburgring
- By TT News
- June 12, 2026
Pirelli has achieved a historic electric vehicle lap record at the Nürburgring, courtesy of its P Zero Trofeo RS semi-slick tyres fitted to a Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey Kit. The car demolished the traditional seven-minute barrier by posting 6:55 minutes, outperforming all other production electric vehicles on the punishing circuit. A bespoke tyre version delivered decisive extra grip. This result marked a major improvement over the 2023 benchmark of 7:07.5 set by the Taycan Turbo GT Weissach. The rubber also features Pirelli Elect technology, designed to boost electrified vehicle dynamics.
The latest Nürburgring triumph cements the P Zero Trofeo RS as the definitive track tyre. Originally created as original equipment for hypercars and supercars, including custom variants for the Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 RS, it has now entered the replacement market. This move brings Pirelli’s expertise from premium fitments directly to customers. Intended for drivers who demand ultra-high performance, the tyre also carries road homologation despite its track-focused design.
Developed specifically for the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey Kit, this tyre is the first production model made with over 50 percent certified bio-based and recycled materials to contribute to a Nürburgring record. A dedicated logo on the sidewall identifies this composition. The natural rubber used holds Forest Stewardship Council certification, ensuring responsible supply chain management.
The P Zero Trofeo RS has recently earned top recognition from Tyre Reviews as the finest among the fastest tyres globally, citing dry grip and consistency. Auto Bild Sportscars also gave an exemplary rating after comparing five road-legal semi-slick tyres. Since its debut, the tyre has accumulated multiple records on the German circuit, including three in 2025: the electric vehicle lap record, the first 7:30 time for compact cars and the fastest touring car record.
Comments (0)
ADD COMMENT