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.
- Himadri Speciality Chemical
- International Sustainability and Carbon Certification
- ISCC Plus
- Anurag Choudhary
Himadri Speciality Chemical’s Hooghly Plant Gets ISCC PLUS Certification
- By TT News
- August 28, 2025
Kolkata-based Himadri Speciality Chemical has announced that its flagship plant in Mahistikry, Haripal, Hooghly, has received ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification).
The company has been recognised for its ecological and social responsibility, along with compliance with stringent criteria on greenhouse gas emission reduction, ecosystem protection, social accountability and complete traceability of raw materials.
Anurag Choudhary, CMD & CEO, Himadri Speciality Chemical, said, “Achieving ISCC PLUS certification marks a defining step in Himadri’s sustainability journey. It validates our determination to integrate renewable, low- carbon, and circular solutions into every layer of our operations. As global industries shift towards sustainable value chains, Himadri is leading this transformation—delivering innovative and responsible solutions that create long-term value for society, the environment, and our stakeholders worldwide.”
With this recognition, the company joins a number of global players who are driving systemic change towards responsible sourcing and production.
George Varughese, Founder Of Midas Retreading Materials, Passes Away
- By TT News
- August 28, 2025
George Varughese, founder of General Rubbers and the man behind the iconic Midas brand of tyre retreading materials, passed away on 28th August, 2025.
Varughese established General Rubbers in 1969, building Midas into India’s most recognised name in retreading materials. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a global player, supplying more than 24,000 tonnes of tread rubber, precured tread rubber and other products annually. Today, Midas serves customers across South America, Africa, Europe and Australia.
Known for his vision and emphasis on innovation, Varughese placed research and development at the heart of Midas’s success. His commitment to improving compound formulations with the latest technology ensured the brand’s reputation for durability and reliability.
With operations centred in Kottayam, Kerala, Midas continues to expand its dealer network, reflecting Varughese’s lifelong mission of accessibility and customer service.
Varughese leaves behind a lasting legacy in India’s tyre industry, remembered as a pioneer who transformed the retreading sector into a global business.
Vaculug Appoints Nick Hermitage As Operations Manager – OTR South
- By TT News
- August 28, 2025
Vaculug has named Nick Hermitage as Operations Manager – OTR South, following a significant expansion in its OTR Division.
The company's new OTR Centre of Excellence in the South East will serve as Hermitage's headquarters. He is in charge of making sure the depot runs smoothly, which includes daily administration, logistics, foam filling and tyre pressing. Hermitage brings with him a depth of experience, knowledge and skill – accumulated over 22 years in the tyre industry.
Alan Robin, National Account Manager – OTR, Vaculug Technologies Ltd, said, "This is an incredibly exciting time at Vaculug, and we are fortunate to welcome Nick to the OTR team. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of both OTR and solid tyre operations will be instrumental as we build on our significant investments in the division. I am confident Nick will make a strong contribution to our growth and I wish him every success in his new role."
Hankook Tire Europe Appoints Richard Bezzant As Truck And Bus Marketing Director
- By TT News
- August 27, 2025
Hankook Tire Europe GmbH has appointed Richard Bezzant as the new Marketing Director Truck and Bus with effect from 1 August 2025.
The British-born marketing and sales expert started his career with Michelin in UK in 2003. He brings with him more than two decades of experience in the tyre business for buses and trucks. Following a five-year period in leadership roles in France, he most recently served as Marketing Director for UK and Ireland, where he was responsible for developing and managing the complete marketing strategy across all business divisions.
Bezzant said, “My goal is to support growth opportunities for Hankook in the European truck and bus sector and expand them further. I am confident that we will be able to build on what has been achieved so far and continue to expand the business with innovative products and services. I am glad to be working with a great team to pursue our goals.”
Jang Hyuk Moon, Vice President – Marketing Department, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “With Richard Bezzant, we have appointed an industry-leading expert for our truck and bus marketing activities. With his decades of experience, we will consistently expand our business in the commercial vehicle sector and strengthen our market position in Europe in the long term.”
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