Representational image credit: Dunlop Tyres Africa

South Africa's tyre industry, a crucial component of the nation's automotive sector, is currently experiencing a dynamic period marked by significant growth, evolving market trends and a unique set of challenges.

A recent report by ResearchAndMarkets stated that South Africa is the largest market in terms of both production and consumption in the African region, which saw approximately 8.1 million new tyres produced locally in 2024, complemented by around 8 million imported tyres. Replacement tyres continue to dominate the market, accounting for over 70 percent of new tyre sales.

The industry is largely shaped by four major local manufacturers: Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear and Sumitomo (Dunlop). However, these established players are now facing intense competition from an increasing influx of cheaper imported tyres, a trend that presents both consumer choice and significant pressure on local production.

In addition, the South African tyre market is also reshaping with several key trends including growing emphasis on sustainability, focus on biodegradable materials and the development of advanced tyre technologies. Urbanisation and the expansion of the middle class are driving market growth, further fuelled by an increase in vehicle sales and ownership.

Despite this growth, consumers remain highly price-sensitive, contributing to the rise of low-cost imports. The industry is also seeing increased collaboration, particularly in waste tyre management and efforts to promote local manufacturing through industry associations addressing common challenges. Investment in local production is a notable trend and the dominance of replacement tyre sales is expected to continue.

The tyre market offers numerous opportunities, including the development of products specifically tailored for local conditions, expansion of local manufacturing capabilities and significant export potential. There are also franchise opportunities within the retail and fitment centre segments, alongside a growing tyre recycling industry. The rise of electric vehicles is also creating demand for specialised tyres, while skills development, training and upskilling remain crucial for the workforce, including technicians, technologists and sales consultants. The growth of online retail further expands market reach.

The report found that the industry, however, is not without its hurdles. Intense competitive pressure, coupled with broader economic challenges, poses a constant threat. Environmental concerns surrounding tyre waste management are paramount, as is the pervasive issue of illicit trade, including smuggling, illegal imports and counterfeit products. Rising raw material and other input costs, potential impacts of global trade policies and regulatory complexities add to the burden. Furthermore, technical skills shortages and the unsafe use of second-hand tyres, often linked to improper waste tyre processing, remain significant challenges.

Looking ahead, the South African tyre industry is anticipated to experience moderate growth in the medium term. This growth will be primarily driven by increasing vehicle sales, expanding export opportunities and continued investments in technology and infrastructure.

The market outlook suggests that the increasing prevalence of predominantly Chinese and other low-cost tyres will continue to offer more options for consumers, while simultaneously posing a considerable challenge for local manufacturers. Efforts to promote and develop local manufacturing hubs are seen as vital for stimulating local production and attracting further investment. Innovations aimed at improving tyre lifespan and fuel efficiency are also expected to have both positive and negative implications for the industry's future trajectory.

Italian premium tyre manufacturer Pirelli has equipped the new McLaren W1 supercar with three bespoke tyre fitments made from more than 50 percent bio-based and recycled materials. This figure has been certified by the independent body Bureau Veritas.

Pirelli is the sole tyre supplier for the new model, which features a hybrid powertrain capable of delivering up to 1,275 PS and 1,340 Nm. The W1 has acceleration of zero to 300 kmph in less than 12.7 seconds and a top speed limited to 350 kmph.

The three new tyres – P Zero R, P Zero Trofeo RS and P Zero Winter 2 – were developed in collaboration with McLaren's R&D teams, starting in a virtual environment with driving simulation technology before progressing to physical tests. Testing locations included the Nardo circuit in southern Italy and the Idiada track in Spain.

The fitments cover every aspect of the supercar's use:

• P Zero R: Designed for daily driving.
• P Zero Trofeo RS: A track-biased tyre delivering high performance.
• P Zero Winter 2: Handles colder seasons.

All three tyres for the W1 will be produced at Pirelli’s plant in Settimo Torinese, Italy.

These bespoke P Zero tyres are the first supercar tyres to be made with over 50 percent bio-based and recycled materials. This is part of Pirelli’s industrial plan, which aims to launch the first tyres containing 80 percent of these materials by 2030. The company’s P Zero E, launched in 2023, was the first tyre on the market to contain more than 55 percent bio-based and recycled materials.

A logo identifies all Pirelli products containing at least 50 percent sustainable materials.

Italian engineering firm Comerio Ercole S.p.A. said its participation at K2025 in Düsseldorf exceeded expectations, underscoring its reputation as a global leader in technological innovation and sustainable industrial development.

During the week-long plastics and rubber trade fair, Comerio Ercole’s booth became a major hub for international engagement, welcoming delegations from across Europe, Asia and the Americas. The company said visitors expressed “genuine and concrete interest” in its advanced technologies and long-term sustainability vision.

“The quantity and quality of specific requests received from clients and new contacts alike were truly remarkable,” Comerio Ercole said in a statement, adding that many inquiries related to “ambitious, tailor-made projects” that its R&D team has already begun studying.

The company also celebrated its 140th anniversary at the fair on 11 October , with organisers surprising the team with a commemorative cake — a gesture reserved for exhibitors marking milestone anniversaries.

“K2025 was a success: we return home inspired, proud and motivated to continue innovating for a more sustainable and dynamic industrial future,” the company said.

Separately, Comerio Ercole announced it had been recognised for the fifth consecutive year among Italy’s top-performing companies in sustainability, ranking in the Top 75 for Integrated Finance and the Top 100 for Sustainability Excellence 2025.

The Sustainability Award, presented recently at Borsa Italiana in Milan, honours companies that integrate ESG principles into their business strategies while turning environmental and social challenges into opportunities for innovation.

Representing the company at the ceremony were Olga Comerio, Board Member of Comerio 1885 Holding Società Benefit, and Riccardo Comerio, CEO of Comerio Ercole.

“We know there is still much to do, but we are committed every day to improving, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability, responsible resource management and innovation for a greener future,” said Riccardo Comerio.

The event, attended by institutional and industry leaders, featured key partners including Kon Group, Elite Euronext Group, Altis Advisory, Università Cattolica, Open-es, Eni, BCG, Google Cloud, RepRisk, Azimut Italia and Forbes Italia.

Founded in 1885 and headquartered in Busto Arsizio, Italy, Comerio Ercole specialises in high-precision engineering solutions for the rubber and plastics industries, combining technological excellence with a strong commitment to sustainable industrial development.

In a significant leadership transition, PCBL Chemical, a part of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, has appointed Nilesh Koul as its Managing Director for a five-year term, effective immediately. The company's Board confirmed this appointment during its meeting on 3 November 2025 subject to final ratification by shareholders through a postal ballot. This change was prompted by the resignation of the former Managing Director, Kaushik Roy, who stepped down for personal reasons, effective from the same date. The Board emphasised that selecting Koul is a strategic step aimed at ensuring leadership continuity and driving the company's future growth.

Koul is an experienced leader with a career spanning 28 years across diverse sectors including metals, oil and gas, construction materials and FMCG. His professional background includes senior executive roles at prominent organisations such as Hindalco Industries, British Petroleum, Castrol India, LafargeHolcim and Pidilite Industries, where he managed international operations. His most recent position was Senior President and CEO of the Aluminium Downstream business at Hindalco Industries. Academically, he is a graduate of G B Pant University and an alumnus of IIM-Ahmedabad, and he also serves on the Board of the Aerospace India Association.

Tire Rack is celebrating the induction of its co-founder and longtime CEO, Mike Joines, into the Tire Industry Hall of Fame. The company credits Joines' automotive passion as the foundational spark for its mission to transform the tyre industry. Under his leadership, Tire Rack pioneered one of the first e-commerce platforms for tyre retailing, fundamentally changing how consumers research and purchase tyres.

The company’s philosophy, established by Joines, centred on empowering customers through comprehensive information rather than just completing a sale. This customer-first approach was built upon providing detailed product reviews, performance testing data, side-by-side comparisons and expert guidance.

Tire Rack also acknowledges that Joines understood the critical role of its team, noting that the ingenuity and integrity of its employees have been the true driving force behind decades of innovation and sustained customer trust. The company honours Joines as an enthusiast, innovator and leader whose devotion remains a source of inspiration.