This year’s Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence, held at Deutsche Messe during Tire Technology Expo, featured an expanded array of categories in order to recognise the scope of innovation and achievement that has been showcased over the last 12 months. The winners were announced at an evening drinks reception held at the Deutsche Messe on Tuesday. The night’s winners included Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and Sumitomo Rubber Industries. Now comprising 13 categories, the Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence were a celebration of recent advances in tyre technology and progress toward a greener and more sustainable industry. The awards, which were coordinated by Tire Technology International magazine, were officiated by a panel of international journalists and industry experts.

Sustainability in tyre manufacturing
To recognise the increasingly prominent role of sustainability in tyre manufacturing, the new-look awards featured three categories focused on environmental development. Michelin’s 45 percent and 58 percent sustainable material tyre designs picked up the award for Environmental Achievement of the Year – Tire Design. Continental’s invisible rubber marker technology was judged the winner in the Environmental Achievement of the Year – Manufacturing category, and Emissions Analytics’ EQUA Tyre database took home the trophy for Environmental Achievement of the Year – Industry Contribution. Emissions Analytics founder and CEO, Nick Molden, was keen to champion the work of his colleagues.

Other categories
Other new categories for 2023 included Chemicals and Compounding Innovation of the Year, which was won by Nynas’ Nytex BIO 6200 tire oil. Another award was Materials Innovation of the Year, which saw the jury recognise Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ work on synthesised biopolymers. The good news continued for SRI in the category for R&D Breakthrough of the Year, which saw the tyre maker awarded for its research into enzyme evaluation. HF Group was bestowed with the ‘Tire Technology International Supplier Award’.

Goodyear picked up the award for Tire Manufacturing Innovation of the Year, thanks to its groundbreaking small-batch production process used in its factory in Luxembourg. The Tire Industry Supplier of the Year award was presented to HF Group, in recognition of its commitment to digital solutions and its excellent relationships across the industry. Goodyear was also placed first in the Tire Concept of the Year category for work on its 90 percent sustainable material tyre design.

Chris Helsel, Senior Vice President – Global Operations And Chief Technology Officer, Goodyear, said, “Goodyear’s innovative spirit and drive for excellence helps us develop leading products and services that address our customers’ needs for today and tomorrow. Our teams are working on solutions and processes that have the potential to make driving safer, more efficient and more sustainable. We are excited to be recognised for this work and thank Tire Technology International for these esteemed awards.”

Hannover-based Continental was also back at the podium to collect the Tire of the Year Award for the PremiumContact 7, winning a hotly contested new category which looks set to see some battles in the years to come.

Boris Mergell, Head of Research and Development at Continental Tires, who accepted the awards in Hannover, said, “Our commitment to performance, sustainability and safety runs right across our organisation, and it’s fantastic that once again this has been recognised. Winning awards for both our innovative technologies and products is a tremendous motivation for the entire team. At Continental, we aim for safe, cost-effective and more sustainable mobility, while enabling vehicles to perform at their best."

This year, Michelin took home the The Tire Manufacturer of the Year Award, marking the sixth time that the French manufacturer has claimed top spot. The Young Scientist Prize for 2023 was given to Agate Utane, a PhD student at Loughborough University. The award’s jury – which is separate to the 11 central categories – selected Agate and her work, ‘Efficient Tire-Road Friction Testing for Vehicle Handling Applications’.

Jan Prins was the winner of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. Nominated by many of his peers, Prins is a popular winner, and has enjoyed a highly successful career at Jaguar Land Rover since graduating from Delft University of Technology in 1990. Prins recently began heading the judging panel for the Young Scientist Prize. 

Celebrating the tyre industry
Matt Ross, Editor-In-Chief of Tire Technology International and Chairman of the awards, said, “We felt we needed the ability to recognise and celebrate more aspects of this ever-expanding industry. Overhauling the categories gave us the chance to better acknowledge where the really exciting innovation is taking place. It enabled us to focus more on the environmental achievements being developed in multiple areas, and also to zero in on some areas of exciting R&D that didn’t perhaps fit our previous category structure. Judging by the caliber of this year’s shortlist, and the tough time the jury had in choosing their winners, we can expect some fascinating competitions in the coming years.”

For more information about the award winners, visit https://www.tiretechnology-expo.com/en/awards.php 

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In a major step toward sustainable waste management, RPM Automotive Group has partnered with Fornnax to enhance its tyre recycling capabilities in Australia.

As part of the initiative, RPM has integrated Fornnax’s high-capacity SR-200 HD primary shredder into its operations, significantly improving recycling efficiency and material quality.

The collaboration supports RPM’s broader environmental goals and positions the company to process over 180 tonnes of used tyres weekly, with plans to scale beyond 300 tonnes. The move is expected to help RPM capture up to 5 percent of Australia’s national market share in tyre recycling.

Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax, said, "At Fornnax, we understand the urgency of addressing end-of-life tyre waste, not just in Australia but globally. The SR-200 HD Primary Shredder is designed for exceptional efficiency, enabling RPM to process vast quantities of discarded tyres while maintaining optimal operational performance. This collaboration showcases our dedication to providing our clients with the robust, high-performance solutions they need to excel in the circular economy."

RPM’s 3,500 sqmt facility not only boosts recycling output but also transforms waste tyres into rubber-based materials for road projects and industrial fuel. Leveraging its distribution network, the company aims to recycle up to 54,000 tonnes of tyres over five years.

The initiative aligns with Australia’s 2021 ban on tyre waste exports and underscores the urgent need for local recycling solutions.

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Birla Tyre has launched a new brand identity featuring a redesigned logo and corporate website, marking a major step in its transformation journey under new ownership. The company, now backed by a consortium led by Dalmia Bharat Refractories (DBRL) as Resolution Applicant, and strategic partner Himadri Speciality Chemical (HSCL), aims to position itself as a premium, high-performance and future-ready brand.

The company plans to roll out a multi-platform marketing campaign and focus on re-entering key markets, expanding distribution and strengthening its product portfolio.

The refreshed identity reflects Birla Tyre’s renewed focus on speed, innovation and excellence. The new logo includes a custom wordmark symbolising forward motion and a tiger motif – called ‘Tyger’ – representing power, agility and leadership. The blue and orange colour scheme signifies trust and optimism.

Anurag Choudhary, Chairman and Managing Director & CEO, Himadri Speciality Chemical, said, “This rebranding is more than merely a visual transformation; it is a reaffirmation of our dedication to purposeful development and progress.” 

Dr Chandra Narain Maheswari, Whole Time Director & CEO, Dalmia Bharat Refractories, said, “Our new logo encapsulates the essence of Birla Tyre, which is founded on four fundamental pillars: a legacy that motivates boldness, a product line that is prepared for the future, an unwavering commitment to continuous innovation and a oneness with world around us. As this new identity signals Birla Tyre’s readiness to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry with energy, innovation, and purpose.”

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  - Kumarswamy CE June 19, 2025 06:52 AM

  That is good news…but what about public shares which were purchased before insolvency?? Will they be reallocated under new brand ?

  Reply

The 2025 Rally of Poland commenced amid an atmosphere of mourning following the tragic death of Italian motorsport driver Matteo Doretto in a racing accident.

The 81st edition of Europe's second-oldest rally competition, taking place across the challenging gravel roads of the Masurian Lakes region from June 13-15, has been overshadowed by the loss of the rising Italian talent.

"His loss is a tragedy that deeply saddens us," said Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. "On behalf of Pirelli, I would like to extend our most heartfelt and sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Despite the sombre mood, 63 crews took to the start line for what remains one of the European Rally Championship's most demanding events. Notable competitors include Jon Armstrong driving a Pirelli-equipped Ford Fiesta, alongside Jos Verstappen and Andrea Mabellini, both piloting Skoda Fabias fitted with Pirelli tyres.

The rally features 14 special stages covering 190.40 timed kilometres across terrain known for its technical difficulty. The Masurian Lakes route presents drivers with uneven, often sandy roads where grip proves elusive even for experienced competitors.

"It's a very difficult and high speed rally, where attention to detail is very important," commented Testoni. "With every car passage the terrain gets rougher, forming deep ruts that can challenge even the most experienced drivers."

Weather conditions are forecast to remain dry, though organisers caution that conditions can change rapidly on such challenging terrain.

The rally serves as the third round of this season's ERC Fiesta Rally3 trophy, for which Pirelli provides exclusive tyre supply. Competing crews have access to three variants from Pirelli's Scorpion gravel range: the K4A hard compound, the K6A soft compound designated as the prime choice for this event, and the K8B supersoft option.

Regulations permit each crew to utilise 16 tyres total, including those selected for qualifying sessions. Trophy category vehicles will run on Scorpion 175/70-15 specifications in both K4 hard and K6 soft compounds.

Rally Poland's reputation for difficulty stems from its unique surface characteristics, where the sandy base becomes increasingly rutted as more vehicles traverse each stage. The deteriorating conditions throughout the weekend create an additional strategic element as crews must balance speed with mechanical preservation.

The event's location in the Masurian Lakes region, known for its natural beauty, provides a stark contrast to the intense competition unfolding on its roads. The rally has maintained its position as a crucial championship round despite the technical challenges it presents to both drivers and machinery.

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UK-based tyre safety watchdog TyreSafe has welcomed the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)’s announcement highlighting Britain’s fast lane position for self-driving vehicles.

While the safety watchdog has acknowledged the potential the technology holds for enhancing road safety and reducing collisions, it maintains a caution towards the effectiveness and safety benefits of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – and by extension, fully autonomous vehicles. This it shared are intrinsically linked to the fundamental safety and maintenance of a vehicle’s tyres.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “We are incredibly optimistic about the future of mobility and the significant strides being made in self-driving technology. Anything that has the potential to save lives and dramatically reduce serious collisions on our roads is something TyreSafe wholeheartedly supports.”

“However, it is crucial to remember that even the most sophisticated ADAS systems rely on optimal vehicle performance, and tyres are the sole point of contact between the vehicle and the road. Without sound tyre safety management – ensuring correct pressure, tread depth, and condition – the integrity and performance of these advanced systems can be severely compromised,” said Lovatt.

He highlighted the persistent issues that is seen among current vehicle owners, when it comes to proper tyre maintenance. 

“For many years, tyres have consistently been identified as the primary cause of MOT failures for vehicles up to seven years old. This underscores a widespread complacency regarding tyre safety that we must collectively address,” he added.

As per the latest statistics, over 35 percent of MOT failures were attributed to previous tyre-related advisories, which translates to 768,410 drivers ignoring warnings and subsequently failed their next MOT due to tyre issues. The trend of vehicles failing MOTs on wheel and tyre-related advisories is unfortunately increasing, indicating a growing disregard for these critical safety components.

“The promise of self-driving vehicles is immense, but their safety cannot be fully realised if the foundational elements are neglected. As we move towards a more autonomous future, the importance of tyres – their condition and correct maintenance – becomes even more paramount. TyreSafe urges all stakeholders, from manufacturers to policymakers and drivers, to recognise that tyre safety is not just an advisory; it is a non-negotiable prerequisite for safe, efficient, and technologically advanced motoring,” concluded Lovatt.

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