In the tyre industry, it is very difficult to change a supplier. Once you are a good vendor for the tyre companies, it is very difficult to dislodge the vendor unless they have something really bad. However, post the recent pandemic in 2020, there has been a sea change in the mindset of the tyre companies.
For a new vendor to enter into the mindset of a tyre purchase head, you have to go head over heels to promote your product and have various tests conducted. However, it still is a long and painstaking process, which could take years just to know that you have not been approved. The importance of getting the right raw material is very important because if the compound is not right, then there is a good chance that the tyre could fail and could lead to a very big lawsuit, especially If a consumer has had a near death experience. So the tyre company has to be 100 percent sure that the new raw material is much better, safer, durable and sustainable.
In the pre-Covid era, you could see that well-established suppliers who have been in the market for decades would not consider participating in an industry event as they did not feel the need because they felt they were well established in the market.
However, after Covid, many companies, especially the vendors, struggled to supply the raw materials to tyre companies due to various issues such as plant shutdown due to labour shortage due to Covid regulations, logistics issues such as lack of truck drivers and less availability of containers, political issues with certain countries, ongoing wars and disputes between countries etc.
So the tyre company purchase heads were compelled to look at other alternative suppliers. If you see the current situation, various tyre companies across the world are under stress as the plants in certain countries are not being viable to run due to various reasons. So they got to be mindful of their purchase of raw materials.
Many tyre companies have also vowed to go the sustainable route by having more ecofriendly materials. So the raw materials companies, whether new entrants or well-established players, have to keep working on innovative products that are sustainable as well as price-competitive.
Tyre companies and their suppliers participating in various forums, such as the recently concluded Tyre Materials Conference in Delhi on 24 June, is encouraging as it provides a platform for the tyre/retread companies to interact with their vendors to understand the changing requirements of tyre companies coming out with new solutions to have a better, safer and sustainable tyre out in the market. n
Bridgestone To Launch Two New Potenza Tyres in Japan in 2026
- By TT News
- December 02, 2025
Bridgestone will introduce two new premium passenger car tyres in Japan next year, expanding its Potenza line as demand grows for products that offer both high performance and everyday usability. The company said it will release the Potenza RE-71RZ and Potenza Adrenalin RE005 in February 2026, with 61 and 40 sizes available respectively.
The RE-71RZ is positioned as a high-grip tyre for drivers who want strong performance on both circuits and public roads. Bridgestone said the model delivers faster lap times and better handling than its predecessor, the RE-71RS. At the Tsukuba Circuit 2000, the company recorded a 1.2% improvement in lap time compared with the previous model.
Professional drivers Masahiro Sasaki and Yuji Tachikawa supported the development work. Sasaki said, “As its strong point, ‘POTENZA RE-71RZ’ achieves a high level of performance in both grip and controllability. It delivers improved dry and wet performance for street use, while also achieving faster lap times and better wear resistance on the circuit. This tire delivers high performance in various situations, making it enjoyable and easy to handle for both everyday driving and circuit use.”
Tachikawa added, “This tire is designed for easy handling, allowing anyone to experience precise control along with excellent grip. The tire is focused on quick warm-up for immediate, high-grip performance as well as reliable wet grip, resulting in a well-balanced tire suitable for various driving conditions.”
Bridgestone said the RE-71RZ uses a new compound developed with motorsport know-how and its NanoPro-Tech technology, as well as a redesigned tread pattern and structure aimed at improving grip and wear resistance.
The Potenza Adrenalin RE005 targets a broader range of vehicles, including everyday passenger cars. It is intended for drivers seeking sharper handling in daily use while maintaining fuel efficiency and ride comfort. All 40 sizes meet the “A” grade for wet performance under Japan’s tyre standards, and 19 sizes also achieve an “A” grade for rolling resistance.
The company said the tyre offers stable handling at higher speeds, cornering confidence and better wet braking, supported by upgraded compounds, an A-shaped tread motif and structural changes that reduce energy loss.
Both products are expected to be sold in overseas markets after their launch in Japan.
Bridgestone said the new tyres reflect its long-running approach of using technologies developed in motorsport to improve products for road use. The company added that the Potenza brand will continue to support “safe and enjoyable car and motorsports culture” as part of its long-term E8 Commitment.
Yokohama India Enhances Digital Presence With Revamped Website
- By TT News
- November 26, 2025
Yokohama India, the Indian subsidiary of Japan's Yokohama Rubber Co., has launched its newly revamped official website.
The company said that the upgrade is a major milestone and part of its digital transformation, aiming to make tyre discovery, selection and aftersales service simpler and more intuitive for consumers.
The new platform features an intuitive interface with simplified navigation, detailed product information and a mobile-first design for a responsive user experience. The website incorporates AI-led enhancements.
The platform also introduces WhatsApp Connect+, an automated chatbot designed to provide instant product assistance, personalised recommendations and quick connection to dealers. An upgraded dealer locator and a blog section with tyre care tips and maintenance advice are also included.
Gaurav Mahajan, Head of Marketing, Yokohama India, said, “Our goal is to create a digital ecosystem that goes beyond information, it’s about building a closer connection with every driving enthusiast. The new website mirrors the performance, innovation, and reliability our tyres represent, while making every interaction from exploring to support seamless and enjoyable.”
Cabot Announces Leadership Change For Reinforcement Materials Segment
- By TT News
- November 25, 2025
Cabot Corporation has named William ‘Bill’ Masterson as the new Senior Vice President and President of its Reinforcement Materials segment, effective 21 November 2025. He takes over the position from Matthew Wood, whose departure from the company is effective immediately. The company clarified that Wood’s exit is not connected to any form of disagreement concerning business performance, financial controls, operational matters or auditing practices.
Masterson brings considerable experience to his new role, having progressed through a series of leadership positions since joining Cabot from WR Grace in 2011. His most recent assignment was as Vice President of Global Business Operations for Carbon and Silica Technologies, where he managed a worldwide network of manufacturing facilities. In that capacity, his responsibilities extended to overseeing product management, supply chain logistics and technology functions, through which he led key projects focused on improving operational efficiency and fostering sustained growth.
Previously, he served as Vice President and Regional Business Director for the Americas, directing all commercial and technical activities for the specialty carbons and fumed metal oxides lines. This extensive background in managing intricate global operations, supported by his strong commercial strategy expertise, equips him to successfully lead the Reinforcement Materials segment and advance Cabot’s strategic goals.
Sean Keohane, President and CEO, Cabot Corporation, said, “Bill brings a strong and diverse background to his new role, with deep expertise in global business operations, commercial strategy and a proven ability to lead complex organisations. Throughout his career at Cabot, he has demonstrated disciplined execution and a commitment to driving growth and operational excellence. Bill will also have the support of a long-tenured, highly experienced team with decades of knowledge in Reinforcement Materials, providing consistency and strength as he leads the business forward. He is also highly regarded for his collaborative leadership style and his ability to develop talent across the Company. I am confident that his strategic insight and operational experience will position the Reinforcement Materials business for continued success and long-term growth.”
Hankook Tire Partners With Finland’s Rotoboost In Push For Low-Carbon Tyre Materials
- By TT News
- November 21, 2025
Hankook Tire has signed a memorandum of understanding with Finland’s Rotoboost to co-develop a new class of low-carbon carbon materials for tyres, as the South Korean manufacturer accelerates efforts to cut emissions across its supply chain.
The agreement was concluded on 20 November at Rotoboost’s China office in Shanghai and centres on the joint development of carbon materials derived from so-called turquoise hydrogen — a process in which methane is thermally decomposed to produce hydrogen and solid carbon with significantly lower CO₂ output than conventional production methods.
Hankook said the collaboration marks a further step towards its “2050 Net-Zero” target, with a specific focus on the raw-materials stage, where carbon black — a fossil-fuel-based input widely used in tyre manufacturing — is associated with high emissions. The company has been expanding research into recycled and certified forms of carbon black but sees the hydrogen-derived alternative as a promising next stage.
The signing was attended by Hyuncheol Kim, chief operating officer of Hankook Tire China, and Rotoboost chief executive Kaisa Nikulainen. According to the companies, the partnership reflects a shared ambition to “strengthen sustainable materials value chain”.
Turquoise-hydrogen carbon materials, generated during the decomposition of methane in a high-temperature reactor, have recently drawn interest in the automotive and tyre sectors for their potential to reduce lifecycle emissions. Hankook aims to optimise the material’s properties, validate its performance in tyre compounds and achieve more than a 50 per cent reduction in greenhouse-gas intensity “without compromising product performance”.
The group will also develop a quantitative verification system, using Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Product Declarations, to assess carbon-reduction effects from raw-material sourcing through to production.
The agreement builds on Hankook’s growing portfolio of sustainability-driven projects. This year the company joined a national research programme on large-scale turquoise hydrogen production and began a development initiative with Solvay Silica to produce circular silica using industrial waste streams. Last year it achieved mass-production use of three ISCC PLUS-certified carbon blacks made from end-of-life tyre pyrolysis oil, and commercialised Korea’s first chemically recycled PET tyre cord through a partnership with SK Chemicals and Hyosung Advanced Materials.
Hankook said it would continue to “reduce its dependence on petroleum resources, prevent the depletion of natural resources, and consistently lower carbon emissions” through global collaborations.
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