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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Agricultural machinery specialist Emyr Evans marked four decades in business by restoring the first new tractor it ever sold. The Massey Ferguson 3065, originally purchased in late December 1995 for New Year delivery, has been beautifully brought back to life. It now rides on the latest MICHELIN AgriBib 2 tyres, supplied and fitted by Saracens, a trusted partner and part of the Michelin Quality Centre network. The tyres fitted are 340/85 R24 on the front and 420/85 R34 on the rear.

Emyr Evans founded the company with his wife Gwenda in 1986, starting with used tractors before becoming a Massey Ferguson dealer for Anglesey and Gwynedd in 1996 from their base in Gaerwen. By 2002, their territory had expanded to cover all of North Wales to the Cheshire border, prompting the opening of a second depot in Denbigh. Over the years, the business has grown by adding major franchises including JCB, Fendt, McHale, Pottinger and Bailey. Today, their sons Gwynedd and Berwyn manage the two depots.

The restored tractor is a significant piece of the company’s history, representing the last of Massey Ferguson’s 3000 series of versatile mid-range tractors. It was originally sold to a farmer in Anglesey and had worked there ever since. Despite its coastal location near the Irish Sea, it remained in working order but required dedicated care and attention.

The choice of modern Michelin tyres highlights the evolution in agricultural technology. The current AgriBib 2, with its improved tread pattern featuring 45-degree lugs, offers enhanced traction, durability and a higher load index to cope with the increasing weight of modern machinery. Comparing it to the Bib’X M18 from the 1990s illustrates this progress. For example, a 16.9 R34 Bib’X M18 carried a maximum load of 2,060 kg at 40 kmph, while the equivalent AgriBib 2 now carries 3,075 kg, an increase of over a tonne per tyre.

The restored Massey Ferguson 3065 is being showcased along with a collection of vintage tractors at the company’s 40th Anniversary Open Days (11 and 12 March) at their Denbigh depot on the Colomendy Industrial Estate.

Berwyn Evans, Director at the business, said, “The tractor was sold to a farmer in Anglesey and has been working there ever since. Due to the location by the Irish Sea, it needed some TLC but was still in working order. As the tractor is now 30 years old, it’s been a challenge tracking down replacement parts but a worthwhile one. When it came to fitting new tyres to this special tractor, the only choice was Michelin, which is king in the agricultural world.”

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Bridgestone Central Europe has announced leadership changes effective 1 March 2026, with Francesco Landolfo stepping into the role of Business Unit Director Commercial CER. He will oversee operations across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Landolfo takes over from Christoph Frost, who guided the commercial division for eight years and was instrumental in embedding the company’s premium approach throughout the region. Frost transitions to a new capacity as Director of Retread Business for Bridgestone EMEA, where he will manage the Bandag retreading enterprise across Europe.

Christoph Frost, Director Retread Business Bridgestone EMEA.

Waqqas Ahmad, Vice President Commercial Europe, highlighted that these moves are vital for advancing the premium strategy in Central Europe and within the retread sector. He noted that both individuals possess the necessary expertise and forward-thinking mindset to deepen client connections and reinforce the brand’s upmarket standing

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Omni United has announced the appointment of Dr Mika Lahtinen as Associate Vice-President for Raw Materials and Compounding. The appointment is intended to internalise expert-led design and performance for the rubber compounds used in the company’s flagship brand, Radar Tires.

Dr Lahtinen joins the Singapore-headquartered firm with over 20 years of experience in tyre material innovation. He previously led material development at Nokian Tyres and managed global technology for tyre oils at Nynas, operating across Finland, Sweden and Singapore.

He holds a PhD in Polymer Materials Technology, and at Omni United, he will be involved in the development of materials and compounds, as well as collaboration with global suppliers to advance the company's tyre technology.

The move is designed to provide the manufacturer with direct control over the chemical engineering of its products. Omni United, founded in 2003, markets a range of consumer and commercial tyres under brands including Radar Tires, Patriot Tires and RoadLux.

Omni United sells products in more than 50 countries. Its primary brand, Radar Tires, has been manufactured as a carbon-neutral product since 2013. The integration of in-house compounding expertise is expected to support the company's commitment to innovation and logistics solutions within the global automotive sector.

In an statement the company stated, ‘Bringing Mika’s expertise in-house is a strong addition to our team. It allows us to take a more direct, expert-led approach to the design and performance of Radar Tires’ rubber compounds. With over 20 years in tyre material innovation, Mika has an extensive background in developing breakthrough materials, developing cutting-edge compounds, and collaborating with global suppliers to advance tyre technology.’

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Continental has further strengthened its foothold in the electric mobility sector, with its original equipment tyres now featured on the 10 highest-volume electric vehicle manufacturers in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region for 2025. This achievement highlights the tyremaker’s strategic commitment to the expanding e-mobility market. Worldwide, the Hannover-based company supplies tyres to 17 of the 20 largest electric vehicle producers, including a mix of premium and volume brands such as BYD, Volkswagen, Stellantis, BMW, NIO, Hyundai and Renault. In the Americas, Continental currently equips eight of the top 10 manufacturers, while in the Asia Pacific region – the most dynamic market – it supplies seven of the top 10. The Chinese market remains especially fluid, with new high-volume players emerging in the rankings over the past year.

Electric vehicles impose distinct demands on tyres. Their heavier weight, due to large batteries, and the instant torque delivered during acceleration contribute to increased tyre wear. Moreover, because these vehicles operate more quietly than traditional combustion-engine cars, tyre rolling noise becomes more perceptible. Continental anticipated these challenges early, focusing on developing tyres with low rolling resistance, reduced noise and long mileage, regardless of the powertrain. The company introduced its first energy-efficient tyre line in 1993 with the ContiEcoContact, and the latest iteration, the EcoContact 7, is now available.

This new model incorporates aerodynamic enhancements, including a golf ball-inspired ‘aerodimple’ structure on the sidewalls, which minimises air turbulence and improves energy efficiency. Such features make it well-suited for both electric and conventional vehicles. Global electric vehicle sales continue to rise, with the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research projecting a 23 percent increase in battery-electric vehicle sales for 2025, reaching 12.7 million units. The Asia-Pacific region, led by China, remains the dominant market with double-digit growth, while Europe follows as the second largest. North America saw registrations hold steady at 1.4 million vehicles.

Dennis Bellmund, responsible for the global original equipment business at Continental Tires, said, “The EMEA region confirms the success of our strategy. We began designing our passenger tyres for low rolling resistance, quiet rolling noise and high load capacity very early on. These properties are especially important for electric vehicles.”

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