Tyre makers across the globe have in the recent past announced their firm expansion plans as well as new investments. In fact, as per a recent report by the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA), almost a dozen of new plants and capacity enhancements are currently underway.

The report states that Mexico is on track for being in the top 5 tyre manufacturing nations. In the last 6 months, over $1 billion new investment has been committed from three brands – Yokohama Rubber Co, Sailun Group and ZC Rubber Group. This will add fresh capacity of 24 million passenger/light truck tyres in addition to the existing over 65 million passenger/light truck tyres a year and upto 2 million truck/bus tyres a year.

Then there is China’s Sunset Tyres Corp, which aims to invest over $256 million towards its new radial passenger tyre plant in Brazil.

Linglong also announced investment of $640 million to enhance its competitiveness and broaden its product mix at its Serbia plant. The facility is expected to be completed by end-2030 and will add capacity to manufacture 1.1 million radial tyres, including 8,00,000 truck/bus tyres and 50,000 industrial/engineering tyres and 1,50,000 agricultural tyres.

Michelin is upgrading its French farm tyre plant as it gears up to build new generation of agricultuarly tyres.

UAE-based tyre distributor, Zafco Group Holdings is exploring setting up a tyre plant in Pakistan. The proposed 1.4 million passenger and light truck tyres a year factory is valued at $92 million, according to the World Bank affiliated International Finance Corp. (IFC), which is evaluating contributing up to $25 million in funding.

India’s JK Tyre & Industries is also mulling new investment of $168 million towards capacity expansion over the course of the next two years. The company aims to increase its passenger car tyre production by 16 percent and also aims to invest another $48 million towards ramping up off-road and radial truck/bus tyre production.

Bridgestone has announced its plans to upgrade its OTR tyre plant in Japan. It will invest $166 million at its earthmover and mining tyre facility over the next three and a half years.

Nova Motorsport is investing $22 million at its recently acquired CNB/Camac tyre factory in Palmeira, Portugal. The project includes incorporating motorsport tyre capacity from the former Cooper Tyre plant in Melksham, England.

German tyre maker Continental is also expanding capacity for passenger tyres at its five-year-old factory in Rayong, as it aims to meet the growing demand for ‘premium tyres’ in the region and elsewhere, including North America.

Chinese manufacturer JGST aims to refocus on expansion to meet passenger demand. The company sells tyres under the Celimo and TBB brands.

Yokohama Rubber Co is also relocating its over 20-year-old facility in Hangzhou to a new greenfield site. It will invest $269 million towards the new plant, and aims to start production in the second quarter of 2025 with an initial capacity to manufacture 9 million tyres.

British engineering start-up Enso aims to build the world’s first carbon-neutral manufacturing plant for electric vehicle tyres in the United States. It aims to invest around $500 million towards the new facility with plans to manufacture 5 million passenger tyres specifically designed for EVs by 2027.

Representational Image courtesy: ATMA

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Nokian Tyres has named Formula 1 legend Kimi Räikkönen as its newest brand ambassador. This strategic partnership unites two Finnish powerhouses celebrated for excelling under extreme pressure. The company, a world expert in tyres for harsh conditions, aligns perfectly with Räikkönen, the famously cool and accomplished champion known as ‘The Iceman’.

For Nokian, this collaboration is a move to significantly amplify its international recognition. The brand gains a universally respected figure whose persona embodies the resilience and high performance intrinsic to its products. Räikkönen, whose celebrated career includes 21 Grand Prix victories and a World Championship, brings immense credibility and a global following.

Räikkönen notes a personal connection to the iconic Finnish brand, remembering it from his earliest days in motorsport. In his role, he will actively promote Nokian Tyres' capabilities to a worldwide audience, helping to convey their expertise in mastering the most demanding driving conditions on the planet.

Räikkönen said, “Perfect match, great to start working with Nokian Tyres, a brand I remember from the days when my parents drove me to karting tracks, before I even had a driver's license. In my opinion Nokian Tyres is an iconic Finnish brand, I'm excited to start spreading the good news about the great tyres to the world.”

Tiina Frazer, VP for Brand, Marketing and Communications at Nokian Tyres, said, “Some collaborations just make sense, and this is one of them. Kimi Räikkönen and Nokian Tyres share the same DNA: Finnish roots, uncompromising performance and the ability to thrive under pressure. Both are built for extremes – whether it’s conquering the racetrack or navigating roads in changing conditions and harsh weather.”

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Bridgestone will introduce two new premium passenger car tyres in Japan next year, expanding its Potenza line as demand grows for products that offer both high performance and everyday usability. The company said it will release the Potenza RE-71RZ and Potenza Adrenalin RE005 in February 2026, with 61 and 40 sizes available respectively.

The RE-71RZ is positioned as a high-grip tyre for drivers who want strong performance on both circuits and public roads. Bridgestone said the model delivers faster lap times and better handling than its predecessor, the RE-71RS. At the Tsukuba Circuit 2000, the company recorded a 1.2% improvement in lap time compared with the previous model.

Professional drivers Masahiro Sasaki and Yuji Tachikawa supported the development work. Sasaki said, “As its strong point, ‘POTENZA RE-71RZ’ achieves a high level of performance in both grip and controllability. It delivers improved dry and wet performance for street use, while also achieving faster lap times and better wear resistance on the circuit. This tire delivers high performance in various situations, making it enjoyable and easy to handle for both everyday driving and circuit use.”

Tachikawa added, “This tire is designed for easy handling, allowing anyone to experience precise control along with excellent grip. The tire is focused on quick warm-up for immediate, high-grip performance as well as reliable wet grip, resulting in a well-balanced tire suitable for various driving conditions.”

Bridgestone said the RE-71RZ uses a new compound developed with motorsport know-how and its NanoPro-Tech technology, as well as a redesigned tread pattern and structure aimed at improving grip and wear resistance.

The Potenza Adrenalin RE005 targets a broader range of vehicles, including everyday passenger cars. It is intended for drivers seeking sharper handling in daily use while maintaining fuel efficiency and ride comfort. All 40 sizes meet the “A” grade for wet performance under Japan’s tyre standards, and 19 sizes also achieve an “A” grade for rolling resistance.

The company said the tyre offers stable handling at higher speeds, cornering confidence and better wet braking, supported by upgraded compounds, an A-shaped tread motif and structural changes that reduce energy loss.

Both products are expected to be sold in overseas markets after their launch in Japan.

Bridgestone said the new tyres reflect its long-running approach of using technologies developed in motorsport to improve products for road use. The company added that the Potenza brand will continue to support “safe and enjoyable car and motorsports culture” as part of its long-term E8 Commitment.

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Yokohama India, the Indian subsidiary of Japan's Yokohama Rubber Co., has launched its newly revamped official website.

The company said that the upgrade is a major milestone and part of its digital transformation, aiming to make tyre discovery, selection and aftersales service simpler and more intuitive for consumers.

The new platform features an intuitive interface with simplified navigation, detailed product information and a mobile-first design for a responsive user experience. The website incorporates AI-led enhancements.

The platform also introduces WhatsApp Connect+, an automated chatbot designed to provide instant product assistance, personalised recommendations and quick connection to dealers. An upgraded dealer locator and a blog section with tyre care tips and maintenance advice are also included.

Gaurav Mahajan, Head of Marketing, Yokohama India, said, “Our goal is to create a digital ecosystem that goes beyond information, it’s about building a closer connection with every driving enthusiast. The new website mirrors the performance, innovation, and reliability our tyres represent, while making every interaction from exploring to support seamless and enjoyable.”

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Cabot Corporation has named William ‘Bill’ Masterson as the new Senior Vice President and President of its Reinforcement Materials segment, effective 21 November 2025. He takes over the position from Matthew Wood, whose departure from the company is effective immediately. The company clarified that Wood’s exit is not connected to any form of disagreement concerning business performance, financial controls, operational matters or auditing practices.

Masterson brings considerable experience to his new role, having progressed through a series of leadership positions since joining Cabot from WR Grace in 2011. His most recent assignment was as Vice President of Global Business Operations for Carbon and Silica Technologies, where he managed a worldwide network of manufacturing facilities. In that capacity, his responsibilities extended to overseeing product management, supply chain logistics and technology functions, through which he led key projects focused on improving operational efficiency and fostering sustained growth.

Previously, he served as Vice President and Regional Business Director for the Americas, directing all commercial and technical activities for the specialty carbons and fumed metal oxides lines. This extensive background in managing intricate global operations, supported by his strong commercial strategy expertise, equips him to successfully lead the Reinforcement Materials segment and advance Cabot’s strategic goals.

Sean Keohane, President and CEO, Cabot Corporation, said, “Bill brings a strong and diverse background to his new role, with deep expertise in global business operations, commercial strategy and a proven ability to lead complex organisations. Throughout his career at Cabot, he has demonstrated disciplined execution and a commitment to driving growth and operational excellence. Bill will also have the support of a long-tenured, highly experienced team with decades of knowledge in Reinforcement Materials, providing consistency and strength as he leads the business forward. He is also highly regarded for his collaborative leadership style and his ability to develop talent across the Company. I am confident that his strategic insight and operational experience will position the Reinforcement Materials business for continued success and long-term growth.”

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