What does the future of tyre technology look like? The answer remains ‘pneumatic tyres’, but in the sense of greener and more digital technologies.

The ‘pneumatic tyre’ remains the only optimal long-term solution that meets expectations in all important technical parameters, even if tyre construction becomes more complex with each new vehicle generation. To the question ‘What does the future of tyre technology look like?’, the answer is still ‘pneumatic tyres’, but in the sense of greener and more digital technologies.

The increasing number of SUVs, electric cars and new types of vehicles lead to a change in tyre sizes in every markets. New vehicles come in different sizes, so the lifespan of common tyre sizes under same class vehicles available in the market is decreasing day by day. Therefore, successful SKU management and new technics are required for inventory management.

Electric cars are increasingly dominating the market with their larger load capacity, higher torque and higher requirements for tyre wear resistance. Tyres of electrical cars and SUVs are becoming larger and heavier, limiting opportunities to reduce total tyre weight on automobiles.

Electric vehicle-associated increase in average vehicle weight and acceleration speed requires changes in tyre design. Optimisation of the raw materials and chemicals used in the mix of compound formulations are certainly necessary.

Tyres are still ‘black and round’, but they are constantly evolving towards ‘more efficient, smarter and safer technologies’. Lower skid depth but better wear resistance are common approaches to higher overall efficiency. Friction requirements must be balanced with tyre pattern for safety. Minor differences of patterns might change tyre responses unpredictably.

Of course, tyres must be durable and perform properly throughout their lifetime, but there are other requirements that must be met to be accepted on the market. The basic requirements are already included in the tyre regulation. The European tyre labelling system obliges tyre manufacturers to maximise the rolling resistance, wet grip and noise level of the tyres. In addition, it is an opportunity to enter the market with better tyre ratings.

Cold working is better for endurance and for better rolling resistance, but maintaining optimum grip performance is a challenge. Optimising wet grip and tyre wear are in conflict together with tyre handling, which is critical for safety. Likewise, better aquaplaning performance does not automatically mean better wet performance, and it is difficult to optimise both at one time. The same goes for noise and traction in wet conditions. Therefore, optimising and balancing different parameters is always a science in itself.

The increasing market penetration of electric vehicles and the associated increase in average vehicle weight and acceleration speed require changes in tyre design. Noise reduction and improved rolling resistance must be balanced by improved wear resistance. Given the enormous development of new generation alternatives in recent years, optimisation of the raw materials and chemicals used in compound formulations are certainly necessary.

Improving one performance parameter in the tyre industry often has a negative impact on another metric. The use of nanomaterials in tyre tread compounds let many of the metrics get better such as durability, wear and rolling resistance and wet performance.

Lower rolling resistance means less dynamic energy is required to maximise the vehicle’s range, which is crucial for electric vehicles. Low rolling resistance tyres make it possible to increase the range of electric vehicles by up to seven percent. Continental has announced the development of a special soft rubber tread compound that helps reduce rolling resistance and noise levels simultaneously, without compromising mileage.

Current tests show that the tyres of electric vehicles wear out 20 percent faster. This is due to the additional weight, the higher engine torque and the friction effects on the tyres when energy is recovered in coasting. Reduction of RR essentially requires a lower tread depth, but it also means the tyre lasts less time and generates more noise. However, the use of nanomaterials in tyre tread compounds, which manufacturers are experimenting with, improves durability, wear resistance and extends tyre life.

Nano-silica reduces rolling resistance, thereby improving fuel efficiency, while nano-clay improves thermal stability and provides consistent performance at different temperatures. Carbon nanotubes and graphene are used to improve the mechanical and electrical properties of tyre rubber, which improves tensile strength, elasticity and compensating low conductivity caused by the high silica content in the tread compound of current tyres. However, due to high cost and low availability, their widespread application in the tyre industry is limited.

Improving one performance parameter in the tyre industry often has a negative impact on another metric, such as efficiency, and comes at the expense of another metric, such as durability or wet grip. Silica nanoparticles improve wet grip in this respect by improving the tyre’s interaction with wet surfaces, thus increasing safety in adverse weather conditions.

By 2050, all tyres will be made from direct natural sources or recycled materials, which corresponds to the global goal of net zero CO2 emissions. Growing consumer awareness is also driving demand for products made from recycled materials.

In order to achieve carbon neutrality, a ‘sharp decline in demand for fossil fuels’ is expected in the global energy sector from 2040 onwards. ISO 14068 provides principles, requirements and guidelines for achieving and demonstrating carbon neutrality, with a focus on quantifying, reducing and offsetting the carbon footprint. Growing consumer awareness is driving demand for products made from recycled materials. Industry practices and market offerings are influencing new products.

Similar to the rapid and massive increase in investments in renewable energy and capacity expansions, the sustainable tyre materials market is also expected to witness strong growth. Manufacturers are exploring biodegradable materials and using recycled components to reduce environmental impact while ensuring that safety and performance are not compromised.

Major tyre manufacturers have already set themselves ambitious goals: by 2050, they are committed to use 100 percent sustainable materials in their production. From that date, all tyres will be made from direct natural sources or recycled materials, which corresponds to the global goal of ‘net zero CO2 emissions by 2050’.

Today, it is technically possible to extract ultrafine carbon black and pyrolysis oil from scrap tyres. Other achievements include the use of bio-based butadiene from wood biomass and other plant waste as a replacement for butadiene from petroleum, recycled styrene from plastics and polyester yarn obtained from recycled PET. The extraction of high-quality, reusable steel, gas and other new materials from scrap tyres is currently practiced by some tyre manufacturers.

Tyre performance is experimented with virtual testing in extreme conditions and optimisation of tyre performance is possible before real prototypes come to life. Digitalisation offers endless possibilities for new horizons in tyre industry.

Digitalisation has revolutionised design, manufacturing, performance monitoring and durability of tyre technologies. ‘Smart tyres’ with ‘embedded sensors’ send real-time and continuous data such as pressure, temperature, tread depth and wear data to vehicle control systems and cloud platforms. Safety is provided by detecting early signs of wear or punctures.

Simulation in virtual environments allows understanding of tyre behaviour under different conditions such as temperature, pressure and road types. It is possible to reduce the number of physical prototypes and speed up tyre design cycles. Faster design and prototyping minimise the time spent on developing the tyre. Major tyre manufacturers already own simulator setups and software to virtually test vehicle and tyres altogether.

Virtual tyre testing and simulation uses AI for visualising tyre model behaviour and finite element analysis methods are used to calculate external heat, load or pressures impacts. Virtual models respond to forces, heat and wear effects. This enables virtual testing in extreme conditions and optimisation of tyre performance before real prototypes come to life. Digitalisation offers endless possibilities for new horizons in the tyre industry.

The tyre industry is increasingly placing emphasis on digital transformation and sustainability. ‘What’s next?’ is an open question for any technological industries. The ‘Next Step’ in tyre industry is the green and digital revolution. How this development is managed depends on the intellectual and technological capabilities of the tyre manufacturers.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Discount Tire has earned a prominent position on Glassdoor's Best Places To Work 2026 list, ranking 14th in Consumer Services and within the top 100 US employers. This distinction is awarded to organisations with over 1,000 employee reviews on Glassdoor and a minimum rating of 3.5. For the Scottsdale-based retailer, with more than 1,250 locations nationally, the honour underscores a long-standing commitment to its workforce.

The company cultivates a people-first culture for its over 30,000 employees by providing substantial career growth, thorough training, leadership development and competitive benefits. This philosophy, centred on serving others and empowering personal goals, previously earned Discount Tire top Glassdoor rankings from 2018 through 2021. The latest recognition reaffirms its status as an employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and progressive workplace.

Dean Muglia, Chief Executive Officer, said, "We treat our people like family. We're honoured to be recognised by both current and former employees and Glassdoor as a best place to work. We strive every day to deliver the most inviting, easy and safe experience possible for our people and our customers."

Michael Zuieback, Executive Chairman, said, "Through six and a half decades of growth, our primary commitments have stayed true: We want to take care of people and help make more dreams come true.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Radar Tyres has entered a significant, multi-year global partnership with Cricket South Africa, a strategic move to build its brand within a sport enjoyed by a worldwide audience. This alliance grants the company headline sponsorship for the Proteas Men’s and Women’s T20 International sides, alongside associate partnership status for their ODI and Test matches. Radar will also be the headline partner for South Africa’s Under-19 national teams.

The collaboration provides substantial visibility, featuring exclusive logo placement on both match and training kits, with the new T20I apparel already unveiled. For Radar, this investment is a key step in leveraging high-profile platforms to enhance global brand recognition, all while maintaining its commitment to providing high-quality, value-driven tyre products.

G S Sareen, President and CEO, Omni United, said, "Becoming the Global Partner of the Proteas marks a significant milestone in Radar Tyres' global brand journey and reflects our belief in sport as a powerful platform to build brand equity, strengthen dealer support, enhance trust and credibility and connect with households worldwide. Through this partnership, we are able to engage with cricket fans both locally and globally while reinforcing Radar Tyres' as a reliable, performance-driven brand committed to delivering premium-performance at an accessible price point."

Pholetsi Moseki, Chief Executive Officer, CSA, said, "CSA is extremely proud to partner with Radar Tyres, an organisation that shares our values and commitment to excellence. This partnership is a significant milestone, securing support not only for our senior teams but for our junior teams as well. This partnership reflects our deliberate approach to working with like-minded organisations, guided by a long-term vision of developing the game, supporting our players and delivering memorable experiences for fans. Radar Tyres' support also reinforces CSA's commitment to excellence and inclusion, strengthening our ability to drive high performance across all levels."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

For the second consecutive year, the Alliance for the Future of Tyres (AZuR) has been shortlisted for the German Award for Sustainability Projects, following its 2025 win. This renewed nomination underscores the jury’s recognition of AZuR as a pioneering force in sustainability, particularly for its dedicated efforts to advance tyre retreading as a core component of a circular economy. The 2026 award ceremony will be held under the patronage of Brigitte Zypries on 17 September in Berlin.

AZuR’s multifaceted initiative extends well beyond theoretical advocacy. Its work gained significant international attention with the Retreading Summit, held in September 2025 at KRONE Trailer in Werlte. This event convened experts from industry, politics, academia and media for two days of intensive dialogue on the potential, challenges and necessary policy frameworks for tyre modernisation, leading to the launch of concrete action plans. Furthermore, the alliance drives progress through strategic communications and direct support for flagship projects, such as the new passenger car tyre retreading facility established by Rigdon in Pfaffenhofen.

Central to AZuR’s mission is transforming public perception by demonstrating that worn tyres are valuable resources, not waste. Through ongoing awareness campaigns, it highlights the substantial ecological and economic benefits of retreaded tyres, which can be refurbished multiple times to conserve raw materials, reduce climate impact and offer cost-effective solutions. The German Award for Sustainability Projects, judged by a panel chaired by Prof Dr Claudia Kemfert of DIW Berlin, evaluates entries based on their innovation, impact and relevance to a sustainable future. AZuR’s repeated shortlisting affirms that its model for a tyre circular economy is a replicable and exemplary system with groundbreaking potential.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Seasoned tyre industry executive Manish Maharaj has embarked on a new professional chapter, joining Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT Tires) in a senior leadership capacity after a distinguished 11-year tenure with Apollo Tyres Ltd.

In his new role at BKT Tires, Maharaj has been appointed General Manager and Head of Business Finance, where he will focus on enhancing financial strategy, driving performance-driven growth, and building scalable systems to support BKT’s global expansion ambitions.

“I am thrilled to begin a new chapter with BKT Tires,” said Maharaj.

Maharaj’s career at Apollo spanned multiple strategic roles in one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, most recently serving as Regional Chief Financial Officer for South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and later as Business Head for South East Asia. In these capacities, he led multi-market commercial and financial operations, driving robust business performance across diverse cultural and economic environments.

At Apollo, Maharaj was responsible for charting growth strategies in fast-evolving markets, strengthening distributor partnerships, and reinforcing brand positioning across key ASEAN economies. His leadership coincided with initiatives to expand premium brand presence in Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines & South Korea and foster deeper retail engagement across the ASEAN region.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!