Assuming nothing will be the same with COVID-19, all associated economic growth figures will be revised in the near future. The European tyre market was severely affected in the first quarter of 2020 and declined by around 20% in all segments, which is exactly the opposite of the previous forecast of achieving a total CAGR of 20% for the 2018-2022 period. It will not return to normal short-term trends and will certainly be revised.

With the global economic slowdown, the Chinese tyre market, with earlier growth of more than 6%, will no longer be mentioned in the coming years. The global pandemic has overshadowed the global economy, and the most important tyre manufacturers are only showing moderate optimism for 2020. The downward trends in demand in many international markets are therefore irreversible. When the entire industry is back on track and at the same time safe?

Tyre Industry will not return to normal short-term trends and all economic figures will certainly be revised.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the margins for industrial products were good. Many companies in industrialised countries have been looking for alternatives to invest in different parts of the world, and export rates have continuously helped them make enough money. So far, globalisation has prompted investors to tackle the underdeveloped eastern globe. The 1970s in this direction were the new way of investing a large amount of accumulated capital for the countries of the Far East. China and Singapore, then Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia were the subject of foreign direct investment. Indonesia seems to lag behind the Philippines and Taiwan for foreign investors. Exceptionally, Japan and partially South Korea won in the early 1950s and 1960s and were more aware of the importance of technological culture. They managed to develop their own capital to invest in technological products. The tyre and rubber industry were two of the main companies.

Globalisation has prompted investors to tackle the underdeveloped eastern globe. The 1970s in this direction were the new way of investing a large amount of accumulated capital in Far East.   

Western automakers had also sparked interest in countries in the eastern world. This has helped investors to focus more on this part of the world. When investors were looking for new horizons to make more money, all supporting technologies came to these countries.

When we entered the 1990s, Glasnost began to influence Europe's socio-economic structure. The main European brands initially focused on Eastern Europe to invest in the main products. Foreign direct investment went to the Central and Eastern European countries. Major European brands in the tyre industry have acquired certain tyre factories. Some factories were opened late.

It is a difficult task to attract foreign direct investment. Many parameters need to be combined, including incentives, laws, rules, agencies and procedures to attract foreign investment. The Central and Eastern European countries spent a lot of time and effort and finally made it. Not only legislative issues, but also macroeconomic measures such as combating inflation, the goal of joining the euro area, setting competitive but sustainable tax rates and laying the foundation stone for companies that acquire applications for property permits, liberalisation of the labor market, privatisation of all areas of the economy finance, public services and telecommunications, as well as road and airport construction are different pieces of equipment than investors. Usually you look for them first.

When we reached 2000, the primary concerns of European and North American tyre manufacturers were attacks on poor quality tyres

The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia are the first four countries to follow. Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia tend to attract foreign direct investment over time. In any case, they have all learned that low labour costs are not enough to attract foreign investment if the main attractive features are not realised.

When we reached 2000, the primary concerns of European and North American tyre manufacturers were attacks on poor quality tyres in the East and Far East regions. Instead of banning imports, the safety problems of tyres in this part of the world are highlighted and certain measures are taken to prevent the huge import channels of these branded tyres. ETRMA, the association of the largest tyre and rubber manufacturers, mainly followed the REACH restrictions of these companies. The media also supported user conscience. The tyre labeling is also the result of safety concerns. The European Commission and the White House have introduced additional anti-damping and additional countervailing duties on tyres made in the Far East. The cheaper tyres no longer had the opportunity to be rated well. Note, however, that companies in the Far East are now able to manufacture high-quality high-tech tyres and organise deliveries in the market.

At the other end of the world, many industries which invest mainly in China initiated alternatives to return to the continent in 2015.

When the time came, the former Eastern Bloc countries began to join the EU. After 2010, Chinese and Far Eastern tyre manufacturers accelerated or invested in new factories in Eastern Europe. South Korea and China have started to have tyre factories in this region. Tyres manufactured in Europe or Eastern Europe indicate the Western European and US markets and are exempt from high customs taxes. They have set up a production line that is adapted to the requirements of European and American consumers.

When we reached the other side of the world in 2015, many industries with investments mainly in China initiated alternatives to return to the continent. Export tariff barriers and rising labor costs, state requirements for environmental legislation and industrial reforms do not keep foreign investors and local companies alive. The international climate and the atmosphere of the trade struggle between East and West also play a role in this latter trend. Today, investments in Eastern Europe in the countries of Asia and Western Europe continue. However, this is not a guarantee for the next few years.

Whatever the truth is or it is assumed that yesterday's reality will be opposite or different. Therefore, nothing will be similar or as expected. Companies that covered risks today and had tools today are luckier and will be successful tomorrow.

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Yokohama ATG-owned Galaxy, a brand of tyres for construction, earthmoving and material handling, has entered the UTV and ATV segment with Hulk PSX and Everest PSX.

The company stated that the tyres are for use in the off-road segment and in utility applications, providing durability, life and traction across terrains. They are engineered to provide puncture resistance, stability and comfort for utility and recreational operations.

The Hulk PSX is for use off-road across terrains. It features a compound for tyre life and sidewalls for cut resistance. Radial construction is for performance, while shoulder blocks assist cornering and handling. It includes a tread design for traction and a tread-to-void ratio for wear resistance and stability. The model fits 12-inch and 14-inch rims to cater to UTV configurations.

On the other hand, the Everest PSX is suitable for utility applications, providing performance, durability and comfort. It offers resistance to cuts, chips and abrasions. Pattern continuity is for roadability and vibration reduction. The tyre provides traction and stability, including wet surface grip. It includes rim protection and puncture resistance for operations. The model is offered for 12-inch, 14-inch and 15-inch rims for UTV applications.

Dyutiman Chatterjee, Chief Technology Officer, Yokohama-ATG, said, “Building on its 100+ years legacy, Galaxy’s entry into the UTV/ATV category is a strategic step in strengthening its presence globally. These tyres are designed to meet the evolving needs of customers seeking performance, reliability and durability in extreme conditions.” 

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Michelin has completed the acquisition of Flexitallic, expanding the French group’s industrial sealing activities as it seeks growth in higher value-added markets under its “Michelin in Motion 2030” strategy.

Houston-based Flexitallic, founded in 1912, manufactures engineered sealing solutions used in industries including energy and chemicals, where equipment operates under extreme conditions and safety standards are stringent. The company operates 17 manufacturing facilities globally and produces seals, gaskets, sheet products and specialty filler materials.

Michelin said the acquisition would broaden its sealing solutions portfolio and strengthen its access to the aftermarket. The transaction also combines Flexitallic’s expertise in engineered sealing technologies with Michelin’s global industrial network.

Flexitallic employs about 1,200 people and generated sales of about $220m in 2025.

The companies said the deal would support demand from both traditional industrial sectors and emerging energy markets, where sealing technologies are required to ensure operational reliability and safety.

Flexitallic provides what it describes as “Total Joint Integrity” services, combining sealing products with onsite technical support aimed at improving long-term operational performance. Its specialist services division, Integra Technologies, offers onsite inspection, maintenance and compliance support across industrial assets.

Michelin said the acquisition reflected its strategy of using its industrial and materials expertise to expand beyond tyres into adjacent engineering and high-technology businesses.

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, has elevated Rachel Tibor to the role of Chief Marketing Officer for its wholesale division. She now joins the company’s executive team and will oversee the insight-driven go-to-market strategy, reporting directly to President and CEO Don Byrd.

Tibor originally joined TBC in 2023 as Group Vice President of Wholesale Marketing, where she was responsible for developing the wholesale strategy, including marketing leadership, brand positioning and customer engagement. Her career spans more than two decades, with prior leadership roles in marketing and brand strategy at Office Depot and Procter & Gamble.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University. The promotion reinforces TBC’s focus on data-led marketing as it continues to expand its wholesale and franchise tyre operations across North America.

Byrd said, “Rachel has created deep alignment across multiple disciplines and provided data-driven approaches that deliver a best-in-class customer experience. As Chief Marketing Officer, Rachel will continue to provide rigor and focused strategies that will drive TBC forward.”

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Continental has announced a leadership transition at its supervisory board level, with Sabrina Soussan, 56, elected as the new chair. The unanimous decision took place during the board’s constituent meeting, held immediately after the company’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. Soussan, who had just been elected as a shareholder representative, succeeds Wolfgang Reitzle, who departed as planned following more than 16 years of service on the board.

A German-French top executive, Soussan brings over 25 years of automotive and transport sector experience to Continental, positioning her to guide the firm’s strategic realignment. Her career includes serving as CEO of Siemens Mobility and, most recently, as CEO and chair of France’s SUEZ Group. She previously held senior roles at Continental itself and was appointed to the supervisory board by a local court in September 2025. Soussan also serves on Henkel’s Shareholders’ Committee and is standing for election to Stadler Rail’s board of directors.

At the same constituent meeting, the supervisory board extended the executive board appointment of Chief Executive Officer Christian Kötz by three years, securing his tenure until March 2030. The early renewal reflects strong confidence in his leadership, particularly his success in strengthening Continental’s tyre business amid challenging market conditions and his role in reshaping the company as a focused tire manufacturer.

Kötz, who has been with Continental’s tyre division since 1996, joined the executive board in 2019 and has led key areas including passenger-tyre replacement and commercial-vehicle tyre units, as well as global research and development for passenger-car tyres. He has served as Continental’s chief executive since 1 January 2026.

Soussan said, “Being elected as chair of the Supervisory Board fills me with joy and respect. I would like to thank the shareholders and the Supervisory Board for placing their trust in me. Continental is strongly positioned as a focused tyre manufacturer. I look forward to paving the way for a successful future together with the Supervisory Board and Executive Board.”

Kötz said, “I would like to thank the Supervisory Board for placing its trust in me. We have proven in recent years that we have the right ingredients for success: top technology in our products, state-of-the-art manufacturing, efficient distribution and a strong brand, supported by a strong team. We will continue to drive forward our success strategy and make Continental even more resilient.”

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