European Tyre Demand Strengthens In Second Quarter As Truck Segment Leads Growth
- By TT News
- August 13, 2026
Representation Photo
European replacement tyre demand rose in the second quarter of 2026, driven by strong growth in truck and bus segments, according to industry data published by Tyres Europe.
“European replacement tyre demand strengthened in Q2 2026, particularly truck and bus tyres,” said Adam McCarthy, Secretary General of Tyres Europe.
Consumer tyres, which include passenger cars, SUVs and light commercial vehicles, increased by three percent year on year in the quarter, lifting volumes for the first half by two percent. Growth was led by all-season tyres, which rose 15 percent in the quarter and nine percent in the first half.
By contrast, summer tyres declined by two percent, while winter tyres edged down one percent in the quarter and remained five percent lower over the first half, continuing a shift in demand towards all-season products.
Truck and bus tyres recorded the strongest performance, rising 13 percent in the second quarter and seven percent in the first half. The increase came despite geopolitical pressures and elevated fuel and energy costs, with freight activity and business sentiment remaining resilient.
Agricultural tyres continued to contract, declining seven percent in the quarter, although at a slower rate than earlier in the year. Moto and scooter tyres rose one percent in the quarter and were four percent higher across the first half.
Tyres Europe said miles travelled declined during the period, reflecting higher average fuel prices and weaker consumer sentiment linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Imports, however, rebounded after sharp declines in the first quarter.
Separate data showed changes in trade flows. Imports of passenger car, light commercial and truck tyres into the EU27 and UK fell six percent year on year between January and May 2026. Shipments from China dropped 24 percent, reducing its share to 58 percent from 72 percent a year earlier.
Suppliers in south-east Asia increased their presence, with their share rising to 19.9 percent from 7.4 percent, led by Thailand and Vietnam.
The shift followed an anti-dumping investigation by the European Commission, which concluded that Chinese imports had entered the market at unfair prices. Definitive duties ranging from 4.3 percent to 45.3 percent were imposed from July 8, 2026 for an initial five-year period.
In the truck and bus segment, imports into the EU27 and UK from non-European markets rose by almost 27 percent in the first five months of the year. Thailand and Vietnam together accounted for nearly 61 percent of volumes, reflecting a broader shift in supply away from traditional sources such as China, Korea and Japan.
Tyres Europe represents 14 corporate members whose combined global sales account for around 70 percent of the worldwide tyre market.
KraussMaffei Names Ren To Lead Extrusion Unit Alongside China Role
- By TT News
- September 08, 2026
KraussMaffei has appointed Xinting Ren as Managing Director of its extrusion business, effective 1 September, 2026, combining the role with his existing leadership of the group’s China operations.
Ren succeeds Ralf Benack, who left the company at his own request on 31st August , ending a tenure of about two years.
The company said the dual appointment is intended to strengthen integration between its extrusion activities and international operations.
Ren has led KraussMaffei China for the past three years, overseeing cross-technology activities in the Chinese market. Before joining the group, he held several management roles in the chemical industry, including Assistant General Manager at KraussMaffei Company Limited, now operating as Sinochem Equipment Technology Qingdao Co., and most recently served as general manager of Shanxi China Coal Pingshuo Energy Chemical Co., Ltd.
Benack took over leadership of KraussMaffei Extrusion in 2024 and was responsible for the group’s global extrusion business. During his tenure, the company focused on operational processes and customer orientation, reducing delivery times and further developing the Technology Center at its Laatzen site.
The facility now offers 26 pilot lines for development and customer projects, and the company said it also expanded its extrusion technology portfolio.
From September, responsibility for the extrusion business and management of the China business will be combined under Ren’s leadership.
Nokian Tyres Launches Summer Tyre With Top EU Label Ratings Across Range
- By TT News
- September 08, 2026
Nokian Tyres plc has introduced a new premium summer tyre, the Powerproof E, designed for Central and Southern European markets, with A-class ratings in all three European Union tyre label categories across its full range.
The company said the tyre achieves top grades for rolling resistance, wet grip and external rolling noise, reflecting a development approach aimed at balancing efficiency, safety and comfort within a single product.
“Whether the priority is maximizing range and efficiency or achieving confidence and comfort in wet conditions, drivers should not have to compromise on safety. The new Nokian Tyres Powerproof E is designed to deliver outstanding performance in the areas that matter most to drivers,” said Tommi Alhola, Senior Vice-President for Passenger Car tyres in Central Europe.
Samu Lepistö, development manager at the company, added: “Achieving A-class ratings in all three EU tire label categories across the entire range is a significant result. These characteristics are all important to today's drivers yet improving one can often affect another. Nokian Tyres Powerproof E was developed to deliver balanced performance across all three areas.”
The tyre incorporates what the company calls Motion Control Technology, combining tread design, compound development and structural engineering to support efficiency and wet-weather performance.
Depending on size, between 40.9 percent and 42.8 percent of the tyre’s material content consists of recycled and renewable inputs, including rice husk ash, recycled carbon black and recycled steel.
Production takes place at the group’s factory in Oradea, Romania, which opened in 2024 and operates with zero direct carbon dioxide emissions, powered by renewable energy.
The Powerproof E is designed for passenger cars, sport utility vehicles and crossover vehicles, including electric, hybrid and internal combustion models. It will be available in sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches for the 2027 summer season in Central and Southern Europe.
Frank Buntinx Takes Helm As Managing Director Of Continental Tire Canada
- By TT News
- September 08, 2026
Continental Tire Canada has appointed Frank Buntinx as its new Managing Director, effective 17 August 2026. In this executive capacity, he assumes comprehensive oversight of the organisation’s entire Canadian tyre portfolio, which encompasses passenger and light truck vehicles, commercial truck lines and specialised tyre segments. His leadership will guide the strategic direction and operational performance across these diverse business units.
A native of Belgium, Buntinx brings over two decades of tenure with Continental, having commenced his career there in 2003 within logistics and supply chain management. Over the years, he has accumulated a broad commercial skillset through successive roles in marketing, pricing strategy, business analytics, fleet operations and sales. His professional trajectory later elevated him to senior leadership positions in the Benelux region, where he directed marketing efforts and subsequently headed Fleet Solutions and Truck Tires, thereby acquiring multifaceted management expertise.
This transatlantic appointment signifies a pivotal career transition for Buntinx, offering him the chance to infuse the Canadian market with an international vantage point. His arrival is anticipated to bolster Continental’s regional presence, leveraging his extensive cross-functional background to navigate the complexities of the domestic tyre industry and drive organisational growth.
“I am truly excited to join Continental Tire Canada and begin this new chapter. Continental has built a strong business and reputation in the Canadian market, and I look forward to working alongside our talented team to build on that success, strengthening Continental's position while supporting the growth and success of our customers,” said Buntinx.
Dunlop To Exit Karting Tyre Segment By 2027
- By TT News
- September 07, 2026
Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., which operates the Dunlop brand, will discontinue the supply of karting tyres by the end of 2027 as part of a strategic review of its business and allocation of management resources.
The company said it would continue supplying products to existing customers until December 31, 2027.
Dunlop has produced karting tyres since 1976, supplying products homologated by the Commission Internationale de Karting-FIA (CIK-FIA), under the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, as well as tyres accredited by the Japan Automobile Federation.
The company said its products had supported a wide range of users, from recreational drivers to young drivers aiming to compete at higher levels, and had contributed to the development of karting participation.
It added that the decision followed a review of its medium- to long-term management strategy and changes in the business environment.
The group said it would continue to contribute to motorsport activities, while expressing appreciation to customers and organisations that had supported its karting tyre business.
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