In an interview with Tyre Trends, Markus Winter, Director of Marketing and Sales at Kokusai Europe, and Kazuhiro Murauchi, Vice President and Head of Engineering at Kokusai Headquarter, share insightful perspectives on the fast-changing reality of tyre testing. With regulatory demands increasing and car technologies developing, Winter shares how the industry responds to new challenges presented by electric vehicles, tighter emission requirements and shifting consumer demands. With Kokusai manufacturing around 130 tyre test machines every year, Winter presents a special point of view regarding the technological advancements and market forces that are determining the future of tyre development and testing practices.

Every nook and cranny within tyre markets across the globe, big or small, is echoing a confluence of old and new practices in the age of new mobility. Attempts to constantly derive upcoming trends are massively influencing stakeholders within the tyre ecosystem as they mull over operational shifts for meeting future demands. The intricate world of tyre testing is also attuning itself to such changes to deliver a seamless transition to end users as progress unfolds.

Markus Winter, Director – Marketing and Sales, Kokusai Europe, contended that tyre testing has surged in recent times as emission norms become stricter and manufacturers methodically formulate new compounds to develop tyres for new-age vehicles.

“Over the past five to 10 years, tyre testing has undergone significant changes driven by regulatory pressures and evolving consumer expectations. In Europe, automotive manufacturers have prioritised high-speed uniformity testing to enhance ride comfort,” noted Winter while speaking exclusively to Tyre Trends.

“Simultaneously, there has been a strong industry-wide push towards improving wet grip, not only for new tyres but also for worn ones. More recently, with the introduction of Euro 7 regulations, the spotlight has turned to wear testing. The emphasis is on minimising microplastic emissions and fine dust particles, aligning with broader environmental and health concerns. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, tyre manufacturers are expected to invest further in wear-reduction technologies, shaping the next phase of innovation in the industry,” he said.

The Japan-headquartered company that produces around 130 tyre testing machines each year believes that Euro 7 regulations will impose stringent limits on wear particle emissions, leading to a major shake-up within the global tyre industry.

The new rules, targeting a 30 percent reduction in particulate emissions, could disqualify a substantial number of current tyre models from original equipment (OE) fitment on new vehicles. While exact figures remain uncertain, industry estimates suggest that up to 50 percent of existing tyre types may be phased out, with some projections even higher. This has placed immense pressure on manufacturers to accelerate testing and compliance efforts.

The initial response from tyre makers will likely focus on outdoor testing, given its simplicity. However, there is growing consensus that standardised drum testing will be essential for consistent evaluation. Over the next one to three years, demand for advanced wear testing solutions is expected to surge, creating significant business opportunities for testing providers.

At the same time, the industry is closely monitoring regulatory discussions and standardisation efforts as test methodologies continue to evolve. Regional differences are evident with Japanese and European manufacturers prioritising distinct approaches to compliance.

While no dedicated testing equipment for wear particle emissions exists yet, there is increasing interest in integrating sensors and analytical systems into existing tyre wear testing frameworks.

As regulations tighten, companies positioned at the forefront of wear testing innovation will be well-placed to capitalise on the shifting market dynamics.

SHIFTING DYNAMICS

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is fundamentally reshaping the tyre testing industry. With EVs requiring bigger, heavier tyres and delivering significantly higher torque, testing methodologies must adapt to these changing dynamics.

“With EVs demanding bigger, heavier tyres and generating higher torque, the industry must adapt. Our testing concepts are divided into two key areas including force and moment testing, which accounts for the torque and velocity changes and endurance testing such as tyre wear assessments. While high torque isn’t a requirement for endurance testing, these machines must still meet rigorous performance standards,” noted Winter.

Another major transformation is the accelerated development cycle of new tyres. Previously, a single tyre model would take six months to a year to develop, but manufacturers are now introducing new models every three months. Each iteration features different materials, tread designs and wear characteristics, increasing the need for highly flexible and efficient testing solutions. “This shift creates a greater demand for flexible, high-throughput testing solutions. We’ve opened a technical centre in Tokyo, where manufacturers can evaluate new tyre designs and test methods in real time,” informed Murauchi.

Smart tyre technology is also influencing the testing landscape. According to the executive, tyre testing involved manually recording data such as temperature, pressure and wear characteristics in the past. Today, with the integration of tyre pressure monitoring system sensors and RFID tracking, data collection is becoming increasingly automated. These advancements allow for real-time analysis and improved accuracy in performance evaluations. Although not all tyres currently include RFID technology, the trend is clearly moving towards fully automated data integration.

High-speed uniformity testing is another area undergoing transition. “Demand for this type of testing peaked several years ago, particularly for performance and luxury vehicles. However, as EVs continue to grow heavier, the impact of uniformity variations at high speeds has diminished. A vehicle that is 500–800 kg heavier places less emphasis on tyre uniformity, making it less of a critical factor for the driver. Despite this trend, high-speed uniformity testing remains essential in laboratory settings, where it provides valuable insights into braking performance, torque application and wet grip. While production-line high-speed testing has seen a slight decline, laboratory testing remains a necessary step in ensuring that EV tyres meet safety and performance standards,” noted Winter.

Investment trends in the industry also reflect this evolving landscape. Many tyre manufacturers are opting for outdoor testing because it requires lower upfront investment. Outdoor tests can be conducted by hiring test vehicles and drivers rather than investing in costly laboratory equipment.

Nonetheless, core testing parameters such as uniformity, geometry and balance will remain essential despite the shifts, noted the executive.

INTELLIGENT MACHINES

Winter noted that artificial intelligence (AI) will also play a significant role in tyre testing, particularly in analysing wear test results. While machine builders focus on developing equipment that ensures precise and reproducible testing conditions, AI is increasingly being used in areas like shearography testing.

“For now, AI’s role in direct test result analysis remains limited as interpreting the data largely falls to manufacturers. Testing machines must guarantee consistent results under identical conditions ensuring uniform abrasion rates. However, manufacturers leverage AI to assess tread compounds and wear conditions, an area beyond the machine builder’s core business,” said Murauchi.

Software is also becoming increasingly important in tyre testing, though integration varies by manufacturer size. Major companies prefer to use proprietary quality tools and focus on seamless data integration.

Smaller manufacturers, however, seek guidance on handling test data, creating opportunities for collaboration with software firms.

Despite handling vast amounts of test data, the company is not pursuing a business model centred on data analytics or test services. Some competitors have expanded into internal testing and data-driven solutions, but this firm remains committed to machine building.

UPGRADING SYSTEMS

Customers today are increasingly seeking testing machines that can be upgraded rather than replaced after 15–20 years. Their expectation is to minimise costs while extending the machine’s lifecycle, though upgrading a machine directly in a customer’s plant at minimal cost is not always feasible. Despite this, manufacturers are focusing on designing equipment that allows for easier upgrades over time.

“One key aspect of this shift is the move away from hydraulic systems. All of our testing equipment is now fully electric, whether it is a compression tester, steering tester or vibration tester. This transition was influenced by Japan’s experience with earthquakes, particularly the 2011 disaster that led to power shortages. Following the Fukushima incident, the Japanese Government required manufacturers to reduce power consumption by 15 percent. Unlike hydraulic systems, which require stable oil temperature and pressure, our fully electric machines can be turned on and off instantly, making them more energy-efficient and reducing operational downtime,” averred Murauchi.

The focus on energy efficiency extends to long-term improvements in machine performance. Over the years, the company has developed systems that significantly reduce electricity consumption. Since tyre wear testers run for long durations daily, its energy usage directly impacts operating costs.

“We developed an innovative drive concept that provides force-synchronised control of the drum and test tyre, allowing tyre slip to be precisely applied via a highly dynamic torque-on-demand system. Combined with our specially adapted load case collective, this new system achieves a nearly 90 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional hydraulically driven wear testers. As a result, we can dramatically reduce the running cost for our customers. The first sets of these advanced systems have already been successfully implemented at a major Japanese company, demonstrating the effectiveness of our energy-efficient approach,” revealed Winter.

REGULATORY CHANGES

Regulations play a critical role in shaping the tyre testing industry as manufacturers continuously adapt to new requirements. Winter anticipates significant regulatory changes, particularly in Europe and Asia, over the next four to five years that will impact tyre testing and development.

“One of the key upcoming regulations is related to tyre wear. There is increasing focus on how quickly tyres wear out and how that affects road safety and environmental impact. In addition to wear, the wet grip performance

of tyres is expected to come under stricter regulations, pushing manufacturers to provide more transparent data on its products’ real-world performance. Another area of growing interest is tyre lifespan, particularly for commercial truck and bus tyres. Customers are becoming more focused on the overall service life of tyres rather than just wear resistance, which means testing procedures may need to evolve,” said Winter.

“Tyre safety is another area where regulations are expected to tighten. In the past, tyre testing has primarily focused on new tyres, but we foresee that future regulations may require testing on worn tyres as well. This is because a new tyre performs optimally, but its behaviour can change significantly after use. Factors such as tread depth, air pressure variations and temperature fluctuations influence how a tyre performs over time, and regulators may demand better data on these aspects,” he added.

Currently, tyre testing is done under standard conditions, but in reality, tyres are used in extreme temperatures ranging from sub-zero to scorching heat. With the rise of autonomous driving, there is an increasing need for tyres to be tested in a variety of weather conditions.

Future regulations may require more comprehensive testing to ensure that tyres perform predictably across different temperatures, humidity levels and road conditions. Autonomous vehicle systems will likely rely on detailed tyre performance data to make real-time driving decisions, which could drive the development of new testing methodologies.

FOOTPRINT

Asia remains the strongest market for the company, where it has established itself as the market leader with deep customer relationships. While competition is intense in Europe, the company has tested its machines with premium manufacturers and is adapting its equipment to meet the specific needs of different tyre makers.

The company is deploying pilot projects across various segments including passenger car and truck tyres to expand in Europe. These initial installations allow for extended testing before securing approvals to participate in larger procurement processes. In contrast, the wear tester segment is less competitive with only a few global suppliers, positioning the company as a key player with extensive collaborations worldwide. The focus now is on strengthening technical partnerships, installing pilot units and integrating its solutions within the operational frameworks of major tyre makers.

The company has set a target to expand capacity to 150 units per year, potentially by the end of 2025. While European markets face margin pressures, the company’s challenge lies in scaling up production in Asia, US and Europe to meet growing global demand.

JK Tyre & Industries is aiming for double-digit revenue growth in FY2026, outpacing its forecast for single-digit expansion across the broader tyre industry. Managing Director Anshuman Singhania outlined the company’s ambitions during a post-earnings media call, underscoring confidence in demand recovery and strategic market positioning.

Q1 Performance Overview

For the first quarter of FY2026, JK Tyre reported revenue of INR 38.91 billion, with EBITDA at INR 4.24 billion, translating to a margin of 10 percent. Net profit stood at ₹1.55 billion — up 51 percent compared with the previous quarter, but down 21 percent YoY.

Singhania attributed the annual decline to muted original equipment (OE) demand, particularly in truck and bus radial (TBR) volumes, alongside higher raw material costs compared to the same period last year. He also highlighted an adverse impact from the company’s Tornel business in Mexico, which faced uncertainty due to tariffs on exports from Mexico to the United States, dampening volumes.

Resilience in Domestic and Export Markets

Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries, said, “The growth momentum in domestic markets remained robust in Q1, with JK Tyre clocking a sales growth of 11 percent YoY, as contributed by a steady demand for our products in both replacement as well as OE segments, underscoring JK Tyre’s continued focus on core growth drivers and strengthening market presence.”

“Despite a challenging and uncertain macro-economic environment, exports of passenger car tyres witnessed a strong traction both on QoQ and YoY basis, signifying pull for our products and enhanced brand perception in the global markets,” said Dr Singhania.

Operational efficiencies and strategic pricing supported performance, even as natural rubber prices remained elevated. Subsidiaries Cavendish (India) and Tornel (Mexico) continued to contribute significantly to the group’s consolidated financials.

Operational efficiencies and strategic pricing supported performance, even as natural rubber prices remained elevated. Subsidiaries Cavendish (India) and Tornel (Mexico) continued to contribute significantly to the group’s consolidated financials.

Regarding trade tensions between India and the US, Anshuman Singhania noted that exports from India to the US account for only around 3 percent of JK Tyre’s revenue and could be redirected to markets such as Mexico, Latin America, Brazil and the UAE if required. With zero tariffs in Mexico, JK Tyre can utilise its production base there to meet demand for both passenger and truck radials. The EU and UK, where JK Tyre holds a strong position in the TBR segment, also remain tariff-free.

Capacity expansion

The company’s INR 14 billion capital expenditure plan is progressing on schedule, covering passenger car radial (PCR), TBR and all-steel truck radial projects. For the year, investment is expected to total INR 9-10 billion, aimed at boosting production capacity by 30-40 percent.

A key driver for future profitability is the shift towards premium products. The share of 16-inch and above passenger car tyres in JK Tyre’s portfolio has grown from 18 percent in FY2020 to 25 percent in FY2025, with a target of 40-45 percent over the next two to three years. This change is being fuelled by rising SUV sales, larger rim sizes in entry-level cars and strong export demand.

The company has also developed a complete range of tyres for electric vehicles, spanning commercial truck radials, bus tyres, passenger radials and two/three-wheeler tyres  Major OEMs such as Ashok Leyland’s Switch Mobility and Tata Motors are sourcing these products, including for last-mile connectivity vehicles and newly launched EV buses.

Market Outlook

The replacement market has been a bright spot, with passenger radial volumes up 32 percent year-on-year and truck radial volumes growing in the high single digits. JK Tyre expects demand to strengthen in the second half of FY2026, supported by infrastructure development, a favourable monsoon, potential interest rate cuts, and improved consumer liquidity.

Anshuman Singhania stressed that the worst of raw material price pressures appear to be over, paving the way for margin improvement as the product mix shifts and capacity utilisation rises. With the small car segment’s gradual decline offset by growth in premium categories, JK Tyre remains confident in sustaining momentum.

“Overall, India is poised for growth,” Singhania concluded. “We see positives across the board — from infrastructure push to evolving consumer preferences — and we are well-positioned to capitalise on these trends.”

Yokohama Rubber has begun supplying its ADVAN V61 tyres as original equipment for BYD’s new SEALION 6 DM-i SUV, marking the Japanese manufacturer’s first OE partnership with the Chinese carmaker.

The SEALION 6 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid SUV launched by BYD Company Ltd. this July, is being factory-fitted with 235/50R19 103V size ADVAN V61 tyres. The announcement comes as Yokohama seeks to grow its footprint in China’s fast-evolving electric and hybrid vehicle market.

The ADVAN V61 is part of Yokohama’s global flagship ADVAN range and is positioned as a premium SUV tyre. The company said the tyre “offers ADVAN’s hallmark premium-grade driving performance, along with a high-level balance of fuel and energy efficiency, handling stability, and quietness, achieving both comfortable city driving and long-distance touring for heavyweight SUVs.”

The SEALION 6 DM-i combines a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing up to 74kW with an electric motor generating 160kW. Buyers can choose between 18.3 kWh and 26.6 kWh blade battery options, offering electric driving ranges of 93km and 130km, respectively. All models come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems as standard, and the exterior design draws inspiration from the concept of “ocean aesthetics.”

Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd said its subsidiary Dunlop Tyre Japan Ltd has completed a Japan Fair Trade Commission investigation into automotive all-season tyre sales after the regulator approved a commitment plan submitted by the unit.

The probe, which examined the subsidiary’s sales practices, concluded without the commission identifying any violation of Japan’s Antimonopoly Act, Sumitomo Rubber said in a statement.

Under Japan’s commitment procedures, companies can submit plans to address potential competition concerns without admitting wrongdoing, allowing them to resolve investigations while avoiding formal sanctions.

"We deeply apologise for the great trouble and anxiety that we have caused to all concerned, including our clients and business partners,” the tyre maker said.

Belgian steel wire maker Bekaert reported resilient first-half 2025 earnings as strong cash generation and cost control offset softer sales, but warned that tariffs and currency pressures are weighing on demand.

The company posted consolidated sales of €1.9 billion, down 5.2 percent year-on-year, with volumes declining 2.6 percent and price/mix effects stripping out a further 2.2 percent. Underlying EBIT slipped 16.2 percent to €171 million, delivering a margin of 8.8 percent compared with 9.9 percent a year earlier.

Free cash flow surged to €123 million from €43 million in the prior-year period, driven by a €135 million reduction in working capital and €21 million in cost savings as the company continued to streamline operations and rein in capex. Net debt fell to €327 million from €399 million despite a continuing €200 million share buyback programme, €74 million of which has been completed.

“We have continued to focus on what we can control best – cash flow and costs - and have significantly reduced overheads and working capital in H1 2025,” chief executive Yves Kerstens said. “Equally, I am very pleased with the hard work of our teams fighting for volumes in the current challenging markets.”

He added: “We are also taking further steps to make our business units more autonomous and agile. Therefore, I am very confident that we will come out of the current business environment stronger and more cost competitive than ever before.”

Bekaert said volumes were particularly strong in its Steel Wire Solutions and Rubber Reinforcement divisions in the United States and China, while European and Latin American demand lagged. Its Brazilian joint ventures delivered €24 million in net profit share, up from €20 million a year ago.

However, the group cautioned that growing trade tensions – including a rise in US steel tariffs from 25 percent to 50 percent – and the weakening of the US dollar and Chinese yuan against the euro were eroding pricing power and softening orders.

“Following a period of resilience in Q2, the tariff uncertainty and weakening economic outlook has started to have an impact on demand,” Bekaert said.

The company now expects slightly lower full-year 2025 sales on a like-for-like basis, with an underlying EBIT margin of between 8.0 percent and 8.5 percent, down from 8.8 percent in the first half.