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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Tyre Runner has added Tyres Life to its marketplace network, expanding its wholesale offering for independent tyre retailers.

The partnership brings one of the UK’s fastest-growing tyre wholesalers onto Tyre Runner’s platform, which is designed to connect retailers with suppliers while allowing retailers to retain control over pricing and purchasing decisions.

Tyre Runner said the move comes as independent retailers face continued margin pressure and are seeking greater flexibility in how they source tyres. The company’s marketplace enables wholesale ordering from multiple suppliers through a single platform.

Tyres Life has established nationwide coverage from three warehouse locations and holds more than 100,000 tyres in stock. The company is the exclusive UK distributor of Lassa, Tomket and Waterfall, and also supplies brands including Pirelli, Continental, Goodyear and Michelin.

Founded in 2019 by Bryan MacMillan, a former Kwik Fit software engineer, Tyre Runner has developed from a tyre sales marketplace into a broader software platform focused on tyre health awareness, supply chain connectivity and digital tools for the tyre trade.

Bryan MacMillan, chief executive of Tyre Runner, said: “We’re delighted to add Tyres Life to our growing list of wholesale partners. This partnership exemplifies how our sales platform can connect high-quality wholesalers with independent retailers, helping both grow stronger together.

“The tyre market remains digitally immature, and to compete in an increasingly omnichannel world, online is just one part of the puzzle. Our mission has always been to empower the trade, not compete against it. That’s why we are focused on bringing a range of tools to market to help retailers compete better, not just online, but offline as well.”

Tommie Owens, commercial director at Tyres Life, said: “Tyre Runner opens reach like never before. Bryan and his team have a very clear vision for what the future of tyre retail will look like, and we’re excited to see Tyres Life’s products access even more markets efficiently.”

Tyre Runner said the addition of Tyres Life strengthens its marketplace model, which aims to streamline wholesale access while preserving retailer margins. The company added that the partnership aligns both businesses around shared priorities of efficiency, profitability and safety across the tyre supply chain.

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CarbonX has appointed Rohan Patel to its Advisory Board, gaining a distinguished strategist at a crucial phase of the company’s growth in sustainable battery materials. His profound understanding of regulatory frameworks and supply-chain strategy will directly support CarbonX’s collaborations with major cell manufacturers and its expansion of local, scalable production.

Patel’s career spans top-tier leadership in industry and government. He previously served as Vice President of global public policy and business development at Tesla, where he was part of the executive leadership team. Prior to his work in the private sector, he was a special assistant to the President and a senior advisor for climate and energy during the Obama Administration, shaping pivotal transportation and power sector policies while coordinating with state and local officials. His earlier contributions include roles at the White House Council on Environmental Quality and staff positions for political campaigns and elected officials.

Currently residing in Kensington, Maryland, Patel consults for global companies and nonprofits dedicated to decarbonisation. His appointment equips CarbonX with essential guidance for navigating complex policy landscapes and strengthening value chains in both the United States and European markets.

Rutger van Raalten, CEO, CarbonX, said, “With Patel’s extensive experience in global policy and deep understanding of Electric Vehicle and US regulatory landscapes, his guidance will be invaluable as we establish ourselves as a supplier of quality materials into US Giga factories and navigate US policy, battery-manufacturing regulations and emerging tariff frameworks.”

Patel said, “The team is strong, the technology is proven, US capacity is established and Tier-1 cell manufacturers in the US are taking notice. CarbonX’s disruptive supply-chain solution arrives at exactly the right time. Strengthening domestic supply chains for critical battery materials is essential, and I am pleased to support CarbonX’s mission to deliver local, scalable and sustainable solutions.”

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has appointed David Cichocki to the dual role of Managing Director for the Americas and Chief Sales Officer for the Americas Consumer business, effective 19 January 2026. He will report directly to CEO and President Mark Stewart. In these positions, Cichocki is tasked with enhancing sales execution and driving profitable growth for the consumer division across the region. His broader regional leadership duties will focus on strategic governance, operational excellence and ensuring financial performance aligns with Goodyear's global objectives.

Cichocki joins Goodyear with over 30 years of commercial expertise from prominent consumer and industrial brands. He previously served as Senior Vice President of US Sales at Whirlpool Corporation, where he managed a multi-billion dollar North American consumer business spanning several key sales channels. Prior to that, he held numerous senior roles during a more than 20-year tenure with Kraft Foods and Nabisco.

Mark Stewart, CEO and President, said, "Throughout his career, David has built high-performing teams and delivered strong, sustainable results through customer-centric, brand-driven strategies. His experience leading large organisations through transformation – including simplifying portfolios, modernising go-to-market models and designing sales strategies for profitable growth – closely aligns with the changes we are making at Goodyear to drive long-term success for our company and our customers."

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Marangoni has reinforced its OTR division as of January 2026 with the key hires of Eduard Mundt and Dominik Hörmann. Mundt will apply his extensive technical knowledge and industry experience to serve and build partnerships with OTR customers across Southern Germany. Hörmann, an expert in both OTR and TBR segments with specialised retreading knowledge, will oversee operations in Northern, Central and Western Germany, supporting the core OTR business and segments of the TBR market.

This strategic expansion underscores the company’s commitment to deepening its local engagement with both dealers and end users. By enhancing direct customer relationships and fortifying its regional footprint, Marangoni aims to solidify and sustainably grow its standing in the market.

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