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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ICRA's October 2026 monthly report on the Indian automobile industry's passenger vehicle segment shows that September 2026 brought strong year-on-year gains in wholesale and retail volumes, aided by improved replacement demand following GST rate cuts. The rating agency forecasts industry volumes to grow 4–6 percent in FY2027. The moderation in growth stems from the elevated base in the second half of FY2026, normalisation of pent-up demand, higher vehicle costs and a weak monsoon.

Original equipment manufacturers kept production steady to serve robust domestic demand, lifting wholesale volumes 22 percent year-on-year to 460,000 units in September 2026. Retail sales climbed 43 percent, helped by newly launched models, larger OEM discounts and revised GST rates. During the first half of FY2027, wholesale dispatches and retail registrations rose around 28 percent and 29 percent year-on-year, respectively, against a modest base in the same period of FY2026 that was partly affected by geopolitical tensions in northern India.

Pre-festive stocking pushed inventory to 43–45 days at the end of September 2026, well below the 60-day level a year earlier. Utility vehicles made up about 68 percent of passenger vehicle volumes in the first half of FY2027. While utility vehicles continue to drive demand, the mini, compact and super-compact segments have shown a slight recovery after GST rate cuts, and passenger car demand is also expected to increase. Export volumes grew 25.8 percent sequentially in September 2026 as OEMs focused on production amid strong domestic demand. Maruti Suzuki India Limited led the market, followed by Hyundai Motor India Limited.

ICRA anticipates wholesale volume growth of 4–6 percent in FY2027, including a 28 percent rise in the first half, amid expected price increases due to rising input costs and normalisation of pent-up demand. A below-average monsoon could weaken rural sentiment, and recent price hikes by OEMs such as Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India could weigh on growth. Electric vehicle penetration increased to around 7.5 percent in the first half of FY2027 from 4.2 percent in FY2026, driven partly by a growing preference for EVs amid elevated fuel prices.

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Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels will return to the 2026 SEMA Show, scheduled for 3–6 November at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with new products, expanded fitments and builds reflecting the brand's racing heritage and future direction. The company will appear in two locations: Central Hall Booth #22453 in the Race/Performance section and Silver Lot Booth #80001.

The display will feature vehicles from classic American muscle and vintage pickups to modern off-road machines, each demonstrating uncompromising enthusiast construction. Highlights include a limited-edition Street Comp GHT Signature Series tyre, expanded Baja Boss A/T and M/T sizes and new 15- and 16-inch MT Classic Forged wheel fitments.

Making its global debut, the ultra-premium Street Comp GHT Signature Series adds a premium sidewall with a deeper black finish and foil-like decals showing the Mickey Thompson logo, tyre name and founder's signature. It will be offered in 275/40R20 and 315/35R20 sizes for select Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Charger, BMW M, Porsche Panamera and other high-performance vehicles.

The Baja Boss A/T and M/T lines gain 29 new SKUs spanning classic off-road fitments, tall narrow ‘pizza-cutter’ sizes, aggressive 37- to 40-inch tires for trail rigs, large-rim-diameter applications and hard metric sizes for trail-ready SUVs. The MT Classic Forged wheel family expands with 15x14, 16x14 and 16x16 offerings combining forged construction and iconic styling with extreme widths and multiple bolt patterns.

Inside Central Hall, a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 from GAP Industries will run Street Comp GHT tyres up front and ET Street R tyres at the rear, while a 2026 Dodge Charger from Diesel Brothers will showcase the Signature Series. Outside in the Silver Lot, a 2020 Mickey Thompson Gladiator Overland Build will ride on 40x13.50 Baja Boss A/T tyres, a 1979 Toyota Pickup 4WD on LT255/90R16 Baja Boss A/T rubber and 16x8 Canyon wheels, a 1978 Ford F-150 on 33x15.50R15 LT tyres and 15x14 MT Classic Forged wheels and a 2022 Ford Bronco on Baja Belted II tires and 17x14 MT Classic Forged wheels.

Beyond its booths, Mickey Thompson products will appear on builds across the SEMA campus, including a 2026 Toyota Tacoma on 40-inch Baja Boss A/T tyres, a Lexus GX550 on 40-inch Baja Boss M/T tyres, a 2025 Toyota GR Supra set up for the strip and a 1969 Ford F-100 on Street Comp tyres. Additional projects will be featured with Rockstar Performance Garage, Yukon Gear & Axle, Showa, Liberty Forged, Anderson Composites, Cerakote, TORA Off Road Allegiance, Borla, Evercoat and Tremec, along with a Battle of the Builders Young Guns entry and SEMA-featured locations hosting a 1977 Ford F-150 Ranger, 2023 Ram 2500, 1956 Volvo, 1976 Ford Crew Cab, 1978 F-150 and sixth-generation Bronco.

Matt Arko, General Manager – Marketing and Product, Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, said, "SEMA is built for people who believe a vehicle should be more than transportation. It's an opportunity to showcase your individuality and stand out from the crowd. That's always been the Mickey Thompson mindset. Whether someone is chasing a quicker pass, building a trail rig or reimagining a classic truck, we want to give them the tyres and wheels to build it their way. This year, we're bringing that full street, strip and off-road spirit to Las Vegas. What's exciting to us is the variety of sizes and applications available in our lineup. We have nicknames for each application, designed to be music to the ears of all of our Mickey Thompson fans!"

These are the nicknames:

• Rock Crawlers: Iconic 15- and 16-inch fitments for traditional Jeep and off-road builds
• Pizza Cutters: Tall, narrow fitments that deliver additional ground clearance in a reduced load, lighter weight package
• Rockstars: Aggressive 37-, 38- and 40-inch fitments for serious trail rigs and custom builds
• Show-Stoppers: 20- and 24-inch fitments that bring Baja Boss capability and attitude to premium truck builds
• Trail-Ready: Additional hard metric fitments that broaden Baja Boss A/T availability for modern SUVs and off-road vehicles

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Tegeta Green Planet organised an informational and practical campaign titled ‘Don’t Throw It Away, Hand It In’ in Khobi on 27 October aimed at promoting environmental responsibility and proper management of specific waste streams. The initiative targeted local residents, vehicle owners, drivers and private sector representatives, encouraging greater involvement in environmental efforts.

A dedicated waste collection point was established in Khobi, allowing residents to dispose of end-of-life tyres, used automotive batteries and waste oils. Participants received information about responsible automotive waste management and available disposal options. The campaign also highlighted Extended Producer Responsibility principles, teaching attendees about the role of EPR organisations, subsequent waste management stages and importers’ legal obligations.

Community engagement proved notably high, reflecting growing public interest in environmental responsibility. Active citizen participation demonstrated the important role that awareness-raising and practical collection opportunities play in fostering an environmental culture. Symbolic gifts were provided to encourage participation, while the initiative strengthened cooperation opportunities with local businesses and raised awareness of Tegeta Green Planet’s regional activities.

Tegeta Green Planet continues implementing regional campaigns and educational projects throughout Georgia, aiming to foster responsible waste management culture, raise public awareness and promote circular economy principles.

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Bridgestone Retail Operations, the world’s largest network of company-owned automotive service providers and a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, has donated 10 new passenger vans to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The contribution brings the company’s total giving to more than 100 vans and over USD 30 million since 2015, a milestone that aligns with the 100th anniversary of Bridgestone-owned Firestone Complete Auto Care.

The 100th Driving Great Futures van was presented to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area in Austin, Texas, while the nine remaining vehicles will go to local Clubs nationwide. These vans will transport young people to and from Clubs and provide access to field trips, college tours and other enrichment activities. Bridgestone will further support the recipient Clubs by servicing the new vehicles at its retail stores.

Recipients of the 2026 van grants include Clubs in Austin, Texas; Reno, Nev.; Lynn, Mass.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Topeka, Kan.; Garden Grove, Calif.; Santa Rosa, Calif.; Greenville, Texas; West Bend, Wis. and Albany, Ga.

Bridgestone launched its Driving Great Futures national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2015 to help more young people access the opportunities, experiences and support they need to succeed. Through donations collected at its retail stores, the company has addressed transportation-related needs and bridged technology gaps by funding new computers and hotspots for in-person programming, virtual classroom learning and other infrastructure needs.

Marko Ibrahim, President, Bridgestone Retail Operations, said, “Donating our 100th van as we celebrate 100 years of business is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our teammates and customers. We believe in the transformative power of Boys & Girls Clubs and are honoured to provide the critical transportation that makes their life-changing resources accessible to kids and teens in the communities we serve.”

Jim Clark, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, said, “For more than a decade, Bridgestone has helped ensure Club kids and teens can access the opportunities and support they need to succeed. Reliable transportation helps connect young people to caring mentors, safe places and experiences that can change the trajectory of their lives. Today, 97 percent of Club kids expect to graduate from high school, and partnerships like Driving Great Futures help make outcomes like that possible. We’re grateful for Bridgestone’s continued commitment to young people and proud to celebrate this remarkable 100-van milestone.”

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