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 Launches Heavy-Duty Tyre Engineered For Next-Gen Loaders
- By TT News
- January 28, 2026
Michelin has launched a specialised tyre engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern high-capacity mine and quarry loaders. The MICHELIN Xtra Power L5** 26.5 R25 tyre focuses on delivering durability and enhanced productivity in the most challenging operational environments while also prioritising operator comfort. This new size expands Michelin’s portfolio for loaders, building upon the earlier MICHELIN Xtra Power L5*** 35/65 R33 launched in 2021.
The tyre is built to handle complex applications, from face work and block handling to forestry transport and high-speed operations that impose extreme stress. It responds to the industry trend towards larger vehicles with bigger buckets, offering a substantial load capacity increase of up to 18.5 tonnes – a 23 percent improvement over the previous generation.
Key technical advancements underpin its performance. Engineers developed an innovative structure with a curved design and optimised rubber block support to minimise contact surface stress and boost protection. Reinforcements in the tread and shoulders improve damage resistance, while a larger bead heel enhances torque transmission and helps prevent rim slip, reducing premature wear.
Constructed to endure abrasive soils and aggressive surfaces like stone and rock, the tyre facilitates movement across varied terrain, supporting greater machine productivity. Its new tread design and unique rubber compound contribute to this robustness. Additionally, the design incorporates strengthened crown and protective layers with added metal for superior damage resistance.
For long-term cost efficiency, the tyre is designed to be retreadable, helping fleet managers optimise operational expenses. Operator safety and comfort are further enhanced by its capability to operate at pressures up to 7.5 bars, improving machine stability by 20 percent even during intensive loading cycles.
Clifford de Jager, CES Technical Manager, Beyond Road – Mining, Construction, Material Handling at Michelin, said, “At Michelin, we are always adapting and developing our products to ensure they match the needs of the latest machinery on the market. The MICHELIN Xtra Power L5** 26.5 R25 can handle the most challenging working environments while delivering optimised load capacity and improved torque transmission in a stable, comfortable and safe manner.”
- Hankook Tire
- Hankook iON Race
- Racing Tyres
- 2026 Miami E-Prix
- Motorsports
- Formula E World Championship
Hankook All Set For 2026 Miami E-Prix
- By TT News
- January 28, 2026
Hankook Tire is all geared up to showcase the prowess of its racing tyres as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship arrives at the Miami International Autodrome for the 2026 Miami E-Prix. The event, serving as Round 3 of Season 12, marks the series' first World Championship race at this iconic venue, albeit on a shorter, 2.32-kilometre layout crafted for Formula E's distinct performance characteristics. This new circuit configuration around Hard Rock Stadium presents a balanced technical challenge, demanding optimal tyre performance in rapid warm-up, traction on corner exit and stability under heavy regenerative braking.
The temporary nature of the circuit, blending permanent asphalt with repurposed stadium grounds, ensures a weekend of significant track evolution. As the surface rubberises, grip levels will change, particularly in high-load areas, making consistent tyre behaviour a critical factor for success. Teams will rely on predictable temperature build-up and dependable grip to execute qualifying strategies and manage energy efficiency throughout the race. Central to meeting this challenge is Hankook's iON Race tyre, engineered to provide strong adhesion and precise handling while maintaining the crucial low rolling resistance required in the all-electric championship.
This motorsport engagement is a cornerstone of Hankook's premium brand advancement in the region, running parallel to its role as a Founding Partner of the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL). Beyond the track, the Miami event will be a full spectacle, featuring a vibrant festival atmosphere with live entertainment, interactive fan experiences and local food offerings. With the home crowd supporting US-linked teams like Andretti and DS PENSKE, and a new circuit testing every component, the E-Prix is set to be a defining event, powered by the technology within Hankook's tyres.
Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director, Hankook Motorsport, said, “Miami is the type of venue that immediately raises the technical stakes. With a Formula E layout making its first championship appearance at the Miami International Autodrome, teams arrive without the usual backlog of race-weekend references. That places even greater importance on tyre consistency, traction stability and temperature control. We’re looking forward to seeing the iON Race support close, high-intensity racing as Formula E brings its street-racing character to Miami.”
Pirelli Launches Third-Gen Scorpion Tyre, Redefining Summer Performance For SUVs
- By TT News
- January 27, 2026
Pirelli has launched the latest summer tyre for SUVs, the new Scorpion, representing a comprehensive evolution of a line first introduced in 1986 for high-driving-position vehicles like the legendary Lamborghini LM002. Today, the Scorpion name encompasses a broad family of products, including SUV, motorcycle and bicycle tyres. This newest iteration is engineered to deliver safety, comfort and lasting performance, specifically tailored to the demands of modern Sport Utility Vehicles.
The development process leveraged advanced virtual engineering, with Pirelli’s Milan-based R&D team evaluating over 20 technological variants of compounds and tread patterns using proprietary mileage-prediction tools. Driving simulators further optimised handling and dry performance before physical validation, which confirmed significant improvements over the preceding generation. This integrated design approach yielded a tyre that excels across key metrics. It has earned the TÜV institute’s Premium Quality Mark, ranking first in independent dry braking and wet handling tests while also leading in wet braking and straight-line aquaplaning. The entire launch range achieves the top European Class A rating for wet grip, along with Class A/B for acoustic comfort and Class B for rolling resistance, ensuring consistent performance across summer temperatures.
To address the unique challenges of SUVs, such as increased weight and a higher centre of gravity, Pirelli incorporated dedicated technical solutions. The tyre features a reinforced carcass and structure, wider central tread blocks and an optimised profile that promotes uniform pressure distribution and reduces shoulder deformation. This design promotes even wear, making it ideal for heavier vehicles. The updated tread compound, which shares innovative materials with the acclaimed latest-generation Cinturato for saloons, ensures stable performance, improved wet grip and excellent mileage. Furthermore, a new groove geometry in the tread pattern enhances both handling and noise comfort.
The new Scorpion is already offered in 16 sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches. It incorporates technologies like Elect, which can extend the range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by up to 10 percent through solutions designed for their specific powertrain characteristics. Building on a legacy of over 300 homologations for the Scorpion summer range, this new generation, developed in collaboration with leading car manufacturers, already has more than 40 homologations in progress.
Hankook Tire has entered a significant global alliance by becoming a Global Partner of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). This collaboration, formalised at a signing ceremony in London on 23 January 2026 with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Hankook Tire Europe’s President and COO, Jongho Park, aligns the company with the governing body’s vision for the future of mobility and motorsport. The partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to innovation, safety and sustainability.
Central to this alliance are two key roles for Hankook. The company will serve as the Official Partner of the annual FIA Awards and the Official Partner of the FIA Sustainable Innovation Series from 2026 to 2028. This series, conducted with premier FIA World Championships like Formula E and Formula One, creates a global forum for industry leaders. It emphasises practical ‘track to road’ strategies, where advancements pioneered in motorsport directly influence broader automotive development.
Hankook’s commitment extends beyond sponsorship into tangible research and development. The company actively pursues sustainable transformation through AI-assisted development processes and strategic investments in electromobility, exemplified by its specialised iON tyre family for electric vehicles. A heightened use of certified renewable and recycled materials further underscores this direction.
The company views motorsport as a vital proving ground for its technology. Its position as the exclusive technical partner and tyre supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the FIA World Rally Championship provides a direct conduit for testing new materials and technologies under extreme conditions. This integrated approach ensures that Hankook develops tyre solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern mobility, where tyres play a crucial role in the safety, efficiency and sustainability of both conventional vehicles and those utilising new drive concepts.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA, said, “Sustainability and technological innovation are at the heart of our missions at the FIA, so I am delighted to welcome Hankook as a new partner. This new partnership with Hankook reflects the global growth of our FIA Global Partner Program, and through collaboration it will strengthen our work to make motorsport and mobility safer.”
Jongho Park, President & COO, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “The FIA and Hankook share the belief that technological innovation can only be effective on a sustained basis if it combines safety, fairness and responsibility. As Global Partner of the FIA, we want to use our expertise in technology and sustainable tyre development to drive the mobility of the future – in motorsport and beyond.”
Craig Edmondson, Chief Commercial Officer, FIA, said, “Through our expanding Global Partner Program, the FIA is working alongside leading international organisations that share our commitment to driving innovation, sustainability and safety across both motorsport and mobility. We are pleased to welcome Hankook into the FIA Global Partner Program. Together, we will continue to accelerate progress and shape a more sustainable, future‑focused mobility ecosystem.”
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