EU Tyre Market Shows Mixed Recovery as All-Season Segment Booms
- By TT News
- May 12, 2025
The European replacement tyre market displayed mixed signals in the first quarter of 2025, with consumer tyres growing modestly while truck and agricultural segments contracted, according to data released by the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA).
Consumer tyre sales grew 3 percent in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, continuing the recovery observed in the second half of 2024. The all-seasons segment emerged as the standout performer with a robust 14 percent growth, whilst winter tyres rose 5 percent. Summer tyres declined by 3 percent.
"In Consumer tyres, the recovery observed in the second half of 2024 (+8 percent) has continued in the first quarter of 2025. Volumes were close to those reached in the first quarter of 2019, before the impact of the pandemic," said Adam McCarthy, ETRMA's Secretary General.
The truck tyre segment, however, showed weakness with a 4 percent decline compared to Q1 2024 and remains 11 percent below pre-pandemic levels. Agricultural tyres mirrored this downward trend with a 4 percent reduction, whilst motorcycle and scooter tyres grew 7 percent against what the association described as "a relatively weak first quarter of 2024".
McCarthy attributed the truck segment's poor performance to "economic and political uncertainties" affecting the market.
The data reveals a striking trend in tyre imports, with passenger car and light truck tyre imports into Europe surging 12 percent in the first two months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This follows a 17 percent increase in 2024, with Chinese imports up 18 percent, Korean imports up 30 percent, and Indian imports up 34 percent.
Industry analysts suggest this import surge reflects both consumer cost pressures and production challenges facing European manufacturers.
"Pressure on household budgets has increased demand for low-cost imports whilst European tyre production costs, particularly for energy, have increased at a faster pace than in other regions," the ETRMA report noted.
In a separate trend, truck and bus tyre imports from outside Europe grew 8 percent in early 2025, with ASEAN countries now representing over 60 percent of imported volumes. Vietnam's share has grown significantly, accounting for over a quarter of imports in the period.
The association also highlighted that despite significant changes in mobility patterns, with car traffic yet to fully recover from pandemic lows, the total light vehicle fleet in Europe grew by 1.4 percent in 2024, adding more than 4 million vehicles. Light commercial vehicles showed stronger growth, driven by e-commerce and last-mile delivery expansion.
The report estimates that nearly 4.5 million tonnes of used tyres were generated across Europe in 2024, with only about 600,000 tonnes reused or retreaded.
Nokian Tyres CFO Niko Haavisto to depart as Finnish tyre maker begins succession search
- By TT News
- May 30, 2025
Finnish tyre manufacturer Nokian Tyres Plc said its chief financial officer Niko Haavisto would leave the company, with the firm moving quickly to appoint an interim replacement whilst searching for a permanent successor.
The Helsinki-listed company announced that Jari Huuhtanen, currently vice president of group business control, would step into the CFO role on an interim basis from June 1st as the recruitment process gets underway.
Nokian Tyres, known for its winter and all-season tyres, provided no details regarding Haavisto's reasons for departure or his future plans.
The announcement comes during a challenging period for the global tyre industry, which has faced supply chain disruptions and fluctuating raw material costs.
"I want to thank Niko for his contributions to the company. Niko has been a valuable member in the Nokian Tyres team, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours," said Paolo Pompei, president and chief executive of Nokian Tyres.
The company has not disclosed a timeline for appointing Haavisto's permanent replacement.
Michelin Opens New Service Store In Bengaluru As Premium Car Market Grows
- By TT News
- May 28, 2025
French tyre manufacturer partners with Cherry Tyre Park for 3,000 sq ft facility in Indiranagar
Michelin has opened a new service store in Bengaluru, expanding its retail footprint in India's technology capital as demand for premium automotive services rises alongside growing luxury car ownership.
The 3,000 square foot Michelin Tyres & Services Store, located in the upmarket Indiranagar district, has been established through a partnership with Cherry Tyre Park, India's largest tyre retail network. The facility offers precision tyre fitting, wheel balancing and alignment services.
Michelin's expansion comes as Bengaluru experiences increased demand for high-performance mobility solutions, driven by a growing market for premium and luxury vehicles in the city, which serves as India's information technology hub.
"Bengaluru has always been a key market for us with our consumers valuing quality, innovation, and performance. The launch of this new Michelin Tyres & Services store in partnership with Cherry Tyre Park strengthens our commitment to bringing world-class services and a premium experience for our customers in this dynamic and fast-growing market," said Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director of Michelin India.
The store was inaugurated by Siddharth Mehta, Marketing Director at Michelin India, alongside representatives from Cherry Tyre Park.
Cherry Tyre Park has maintained a partnership with Michelin for over 12 years. The collaboration reflects Michelin's strategy to leverage established retail networks whilst expanding its presence in India's southern region.
The French company, which positions itself as a technology leader in the tyre industry, has been tailoring its premium offerings to meet the requirements of luxury and high-performance vehicles as India's automotive market evolves.
Michelin's latest store opening underscores the company's broader commitment to enhancing retail infrastructure and customer service capabilities across key Indian markets, particularly in regions with significant premium vehicle penetration.
Comerio Ercole Marks 140 Years with Major R&D Expansion
- By TT News
- May 26, 2025
Italian industrial machinery manufacturer Comerio Ercole SpA is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year whilst unveiling significant investments in research and development capabilities as the family-owned company seeks to strengthen its position in global polymer processing markets.
The Busto Arsizio-based firm, which exports 94 percent of its production worldwide and employs 250 people across its group operations, has published a commemorative 272-page book documenting its industrial journey from 1885 to 2025. The company was founded by Ercole Comerio, known affectionately as “Ul Balösu”, who launched the enterprise the same year he married Teresa Marcora.
Comerio Ercole will showcase two major technological developments at its main production facility on 6th June, opening its doors to institutional partners and industry stakeholders. The company is launching a new universal Industry 5.0 manufacturing centre alongside an expanded R&D technology centre featuring advanced experimental equipment.
“Our corporate DNA is based on deep respect for tradition and constant forward-looking drive within an evolutionary process that never stops,” said Riccardo Comerio. “Every day we face challenging and stimulating situations that push us to keep improving.”
The R&D expansion includes two new experimental machines - one for mixing and one for calendaring - equipped with cutting-edge longitudinal stretching units for thin sheets. The facility’s main laboratory operates as a “mini-factory” with a four-roll calendering line that can be reconfigured to three or five rolls depending on process requirements.
The enhanced laboratory features a dual-feeding system accommodating direct extrusion and feeding from mills and internal mixers. A second laboratory houses a calendering line designed for the embossing processes of films and nonwovens, offering up to 100 different patterns for material enhancement.
These investments are designed to bolster the company’s capacity to support customers in developing new polymer and elastomer processing techniques. Comerio Ercole’s R&D team provides project support through patent validation, underlining the firm’s focus on technology and service delivery.
Economic journalist Luciano Landoni, who authored the commemorative book's afterword, highlighted the company’s entrepreneurial example. “The entrepreneurial example of Comerio Ercole is highly motivating, especially for young people, who now more than ever need concrete signals based on competence, passion and vision," he said.
The company operates under the corporate structure of Comerio Ercole SpA a Socio Unico, with a share capital of €2.2 million, and is coordinated by Comerio 1885 Holding Srl SB. Its machinery serves customers in the polymer and rubber processing industries globally, and the firm maintains its headquarters at Via Castellanza 100 in Busto Arsizio, northern Italy.
Nexen Tire Bags 2025 Red Dot Design Award For Winguard Sport 3
- By TT News
- May 26, 2025
South Korea’s Nexen Tire, a leading tyre manufacturer, has won the 2025 Red Dot Design Award in the Product Design Category.
The judges appreciated the company’s winter tyre – Winguard Sport 3’s performance-driven design that was tailored for extreme winter conditions. The company shared that the Winguard Sport 3 takes inspiration from bird wings, the V-shaped tread pattern enhances traction and steering control on snowy roads. It uses a specially formulated compound that provides flexibility even at low temperatures, maintaining grip and offering reliable performance in harsh winter climates.
The sidewall features dynamic graphics and a snowflake emblem to combine sporty aesthetics with seasonal identity.
The Red Dot Design Award is organised by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany, evaluates entries based on innovation, functionality, durability and overall design excellence. This also marks the second consecutive year for Nexen to win a Red Dot recognition.
The tyre is expected to be launched in Europe during the winter of 2025.
John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, Nexen Tire, said, “This award is a testament to Nexen Tire’s evolution as a brand that combines technological sophistication with strong design capabilities. We will continue to introduce products that balance driving performance with aesthetic appeal, delivering differentiated brand value in the global market.”
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