What does ‘Tyre Labelling’ guarantee? It shows schematically the classification of tyres in terms of fuel consumption, noise and wet performance. The tyre manufacturer is obliged to demonstrate the values ​​indicated on the label in tests carried out in accordance with the test method described in EU regulations. This essentially means that the performance parameters of the tyres in question are at least exactly at this level or above the positive side of the limit scale, but only when the tyres are new, i.e. at the beginning of tyre installation. It is technically expected that the stated performance values ​​will not change until the end of the first 10,000 kilometres or until wear of approximately 1.5 mm occurs.

Who knows what the actual grading of tyres will be after the second 10,000 kilometres or at 3 mm down wear stage? No one can correctly estimate what the wet noise and traction will be after most of the mini-kerf or notches are eliminated or reduced, but only when the tyre is tested it can be monitored. Or if the tyre's grooves are completely ‘V’ type, and after a period of time the tyre's traction forces change significantly, then rolling resistance and wet braking behaviour will become significantly different.

The performance level of worn tyres might be therefore quite uncertain and must be taken into account on a legal basis. The wet performance of worn tyres will be a check point for ‘wet grip class’ grading on EU Tyre label after 1st July of 2024, which is in line with the demand of tyre industry parties asking more sustainability.  Thanks to the introduction of a new EU regulation R117-04, tyres sold in EU distribution channels meet the same minimum wet braking performance requirements not only when new but also when worn down to the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm.

EU is the most sensitive and advanced market to sustainability in the world. It is driven at any time by the increasingly aspiring regulatory agenda and there is always a constant development in this respect. Requirements of consumers or the automotive industry are more demanding by a more conscious society. Tyres’ life cycle contributing to a more sustainable future proactively identifies and addresses the potential human health and environmental impacts associated with the industry. Therefore, safer and more environmentally sound mobility options are always geared towards resource conservation and fuel economy amongst the focus points of innovations.

Thanks to the introduction of a new EU regulation R117-04, tyres sold in EU distribution channels meet the same minimum wet braking performance requirements not only when new but also when worn down to the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. They must therefore be tested both as new and as worn tyres before receiving the 'wet grade’ on the label. This means that EU drivers can now buy safer tyres that meet the legal minimum standards for wet braking performance, even when worn down to the legal minimum tread depth.

As a weak point of R117-04 regulation, it only covers wet braking of new and worn-out tyres. It does not cover ‘noise’ and ‘rolling resistance’ items given on labelling or more simply endurance performance level of especially cheap tyres in the market with a 1.6 mm tread depth assuming they will not change!

Informal wet braking tests conducted by ETRTO show that the wear rate of group ‘C1’ tyres can decrease by up to 50 percent, while the loss rate of group ‘C2’ and ‘C3’ tyres remain in 10 percent. The new regulation R117-04 therefore does not apply to group ‘C2’ and ‘C3’ tyres, as they normally have a greater tread depth and it is assumed that the level of wet braking does not change during the wear phase. However, since group ‘C1’ tyres have a smaller tread depth, it is assumed that their contact patch is more subject to negative changes, so that the wet braking performance also changes more after use. 

As a weak point of R117-04 regulation, it only covers wet braking of new and worn-out tyres. It does not cover ‘noise’ and ‘rolling resistance’ items given on labelling or more simply endurance performance level of especially cheap tyres in the market with a 1.6 mm tread depth assuming they will not change!

The new R117-04 regulation may mainly be considered as sustainability issue rather than total safety. It promotes tyre usage until defined min tread depth creating a room to consumers to trust the tyres above minimum tread depth level. However, it should still be positively considered a step forward to the worn tyres’ safety regulation. It accepts that wet braking level of worn tyres are more critical and important safety issue and should be regulated. By the way, consumers may use their tyres in longer stage, giving a contribution to a greener world.

The transparency provided by the new regulation, which came into force on 2024 July, is even more essential, as some performances deteriorate over time, especially in terms of safety. R117-04 in this term guarantees enhanced safety, better respect for the environment and the protection of motorists’ purchasing power. 

Common consumer behaviour shows that 50 percent of car tyres are demounted before reaching a residual depth of 3 mm and replaced with a new set of tyres.

Michelin has studied the safety margin of used tyres since 2018 and has stressed the importance of tyres to be used until 1.6 mm remaining tread depth. The best way was to test worn tyres because it can easily reflect the real risks a driver can face on the road. During the study, the results were surprisingly varied. It was shown that some worn tyres performed better than new tyres when braking on wet roads. This was exactly what Michelin has been saying for a long time. The performance of different tyre brands also varies considerably.

Common consumer behaviour shows that 50 percent of car tyres are demounted before reaching a residual depth of 3 mm and replaced with a new set. In global scale, this makes around 400 million tyres are prematurely scraped every year. A quarter of this amount, or almost 100 million tyres, would save at least 6 million tonnes of CO2 instead of reproducing it. The implementation of this regulation will certainly have an impact on the demand for new tyres in Europe.

R117-04 presently focus mainly on only tread depth attribute, while aspects such as ageing or rubber structural integrity degradation remain outside the scope of this amendment.

In addition, in the hope that higher performance requirements will not result in higher costs for consumers, the changes are designed to encourage consumers to continue using sustainable tyres instead. Once drivers are confident in their tyres, they will drive to a tread depth of 1.6 mm, potentially saving EUR 6 billion a year by not complying with proposals to reduce tread depth to less than 3 mm.

R117-04 presently focuses mainly on tread depth attribute, while aspects such as ageing or rubber structural integrity degradation remain outside the scope of this amendment. We also mentioned some additional weak points above. However, imposing these standards, will increase the driver’s awareness for worn tyres performance limits and let them to make more informed decisions when purchasing tyres.

On the other hand, understanding the ‘NEW AND WORN PHASE TESTS CONCEPT’ will become the standard mentality of the customer, who will be able to assess the attitude towards the initial performance of the tyres, which may change over time, but should not! The new challenge will be to weed out products that are not gripping in the wet when worn and have not met these expectations for years..!

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Hankook Tyre UK has expanded its Truck and Bus team with two key appointments. Jason Bloor has been appointed as National Account Manager, while Peter Hatton has been appointed as Regional Sales Manager for the combined Midlands and Northwest region.

Bloor, who will be overseeing national fleets activities, brings with him 34 years of experience in the tyre industry, while Hatton, who joined Hankook Tyre UK in May, has over three decades of expertise in the tyre and transport industry.

Chang-Yool Han, Managing Director, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “Following the opening of Hankook House, our new UK headquarters, we are pursuing ambitious growth plans for the UK market. We are delighted to welcome Jason Bloor and Peter Hatton to the team. Their extensive industry experience will undoubtedly make an immediate impact on the company’s continued success."

Bloor said, “I joined the tyre industry straight out of school in 1991 starting as a fitter where I discovered a passion for fleet management. Over the last 20 years, I have managed mileage contracts and key accounts, taking on responsibility in both sales and operations. I am excited to bring my decades of experience to Hankook and help drive brand awareness and strengthen customer relationships.”

Hatton said, “Having spent 30+ years working in the tyre and transport industry, I am privileged to be part of the Hankook UK team. The company offers an excellent range of tyre products across its premium Hankook brand and associate brand Laufenn. I look forward to applying my skills and experience in supporting both current and new customers while working alongside a brilliant team.”

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CAMSO Construction has appointed Steffen Sahl as Director of Sales for Europe. Sahl brings with him 25 years of experience in the European OTR mobility sector.

The company statement read: “With over 25 years of experience in the European OTR mobility sector, and a successful entrepreneurial journey in distribution, Steffen combines deep market insight with a customer-first mindset.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity, and I am filled with gratitude for everyone who has been part of my professional path so far. A huge thank you to my previous colleagues, mentors and teams – I carry your lessons and support with me. I am deeply honoured by the trust of the CEAT leadership, and am immensely looking forward to building on Camso's strong foundation, driving growth across European markets and collaborating with the talented team in the CEAT speciality family,” said Sahl on his appointment.

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JK Tyre & Industries Ltd, one of India's largest tyre manufacturers, has announced its partnership as co-presenting sponsor of the Men's Asia Cup 2025, as the cricket tournament begins its three-week run across venues in the United Arab Emirates.

The sponsorship deal with Sony Sports Network covers the Twenty20 International tournament running from September 9 to 28 across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, marking JK Tyre's expansion from its traditional motorsport sponsorship into cricket broadcasting.

The partnership positions JK Tyre to reach cricket audiences across India and Asia during prime-time broadcasts of the 19-match tournament, which features eight national teams competing for the continental title.

"At JK Tyre, we have always believed in the power of sport to unite, inspire, and drive passion. Having nurtured motorsport for over three decades, we are excited to bring the same spirit to cricket, a game that binds millions of fans across Asia," said Srinivasu Allaphan, Director-Sales & Marketing at JK Tyre & Industries Ltd.

"Our association with the Men's Asia Cup 2025 is a strategic step in strengthening our brand visibility across India and Asia and reinforcing our positioning as 'Desh Ka Tyre,' a brand that reflects the aspirations and passions of today's India."

JK Tyre, which has built its sporting credentials through decades of involvement in motorsport, is leveraging cricket's popularity to strengthen its market position across Asia's emerging economies.

The Asia Cup represents one of cricket's premier regional tournaments, with the current edition featuring teams including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan amongst others. The tournament serves as preparation for next year's T20 World Cup.

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InnoVent Technology LLC has appointed Jose Rodriguez as its new Chief Technology Officer. He brings three decades of extensive experience in industrial digital systems, automation and simulation platforms to the role.

Rodriguez was most recently the Global Technical Authority at Wood Group, a multi-billion-dollar engineering firm, and previously served as CTO of Ingenious Inc., prior to its acquisition by Wood. In his new position, he will direct a global team focused on advancing the company's InnoSIM digital twin platform.

His leadership will be central to integrating commercial AI and automation systems, significantly boosting predictive modelling capabilities and deploying digital twin projects on an international scale. The appointment underscores InnoVent's strategic commitment to leading the industry through cutting-edge technological innovation and advanced digital solutions.

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