TyreXpo Asia 2025

The 14th edition of TyreXpo Asia, held from 12 to 14 March 2025 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, took the event to a new high. Organised by Informa Markets, the top-tier event boasted more than 250 participants and more than 6,000 industry experts from over 90 countries and established itself firmly as one of the prominent events for the world’s tyre, automotive repair and maintenance businesses.

CENTRAL POINT OF INDUSTRY INNOVATION AND NETWORKING

TyreXpo Asia 2025 was a vast platform to showcase the most recent developments in tyres, car repair equipment, tools, parts and accessories. The exhibition grounds had innovative start-ups, established companies and industry leaders who unveiled ground-breaking technologies transforming the world tyre business. Visitors had the opportunity to experience these innovations firsthand, see the latest trends and stay ahead in a competitive business.

The significance of the event was driven by its host city’s prime position in Southeast Asia’s auto cluster leader Singapore. World-class infrastructure and access ensured that world-class international buyers, together with regional players, found the platform the ideal one-stop shop. The event was a resounding success at its last staging with near 5,000 executives from 91 countries represented, and it was addressing every aspect of the tyre, vehicle and related industries. This year, the organisers saw an even larger response, which shows how more and more important the Asia-Pacific region is to the global tyre market.

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS AND PARTICIPATING BRANDS

The gigantic 15,000 square metre exhibition space hosted over 500 international tyre firms, including renowned entities such as Alves Bandeira, American Pacific Industries, Davanti, Deestone, Evergreen, Guizhou Tyre Co. Ltd., Hubei Aulice Tyre Co. Ltd., JGL Worldwide, LingLong Tire, Max Rubber, Momo Tires, Nexen Corp, Ozka, Petlas, Prinx Chengshan, Stamford Tyres, Tercelo, Transamerica, Roadone, Armour, Yongsheng, Wholesale Tire Distributors, ZC Rubber and Zodo Tire.

These exhibitors presented a great variety of products, ranging from passenger car radial tyres to truck, bus and off-the-road tyres, tyre accessories and maintenance tools. The event provided the participants with a complete overview of the latest products and services that supply the market, enabling business development and collaboration between manufacturers, distributors and inventors.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMMES AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING

In addition to the exhibition, TyreXpo Asia 2025 also featured a robust conference programme designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and industry information. The Tyre Technical Seminar delved into tyre technology advancements and industry innovations, closing the knowledge gap in downstream technicalities with dedicated tracks. The Tyre Business Forum also featured sessions on market trends, sustainability, digitalisation and mobility’s future.

These sessions provided attendees valuable information on the rapidly evolving tyre manufacturing and design developments. The experts discussed advances in artificial intelligence, 3D printing and new material sciences that were transforming tyre performance. The event was centred on enabling industry participants to gain the necessary knowledge to remain ahead of the change and take advantage of the new opportunities.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AND BUSINESS MATCHING

TyreXpo Asia 2025 placed a major emphasis on forging genuine connections in the global tyre industry. Networking sessions were a part of the event that helped bring together distributors, manufacturers, retailers and innovators, allowing them to exchange knowledge and form strategic partnerships. A business matching platform powered by AI was available through web and mobile app, simplifying meetings and maximising business interaction before and during the show.

The Hosted Buyer Programme was also an element, welcoming 120 international hosted buyers, from fleet managers to purchasing directors, wholesalers and distributors, to meet with key decision-makers. The programme supported buyers by pre-paying travel expenses, ensuring a hassle-free and affordable experience that fostered business growth and collaboration.

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

TyreXpo Asia 2025 demonstrated its dedication to corporate social responsibility with activities, such as the Flip Tyre Challenge, for the benefit of the Singapore Children’s Society. The activity was not only to highlight endurance and strength but also to build community. For every SGD10 collected per tyre flip, the people involved were supporting the Singapore Children’s Society directly, further making the event about doing good beyond the industry.

Sustainability was a recurring theme throughout the event, with recycling, equipment and retreading being addressed. The recycling sector witnessed positive interest, with Eldan Recycling and Gradeall experiencing high interest in their products, reflecting the growing demand for recycling and waste management in the region. With the sector under pressure to be more sustainable, TyreXpo Asia 2025 aimed to provide a comprehensive platform for addressing these pressing issues.

  Nokian Tyres CFO Niko Haavisto to depart as Finnish tyre maker begins succession search

   Nokian Tyres CFO Niko Haavisto to depart as Finnish tyre maker begins succession search

Finnish tyre manufacturer Nokian Tyres Plc said its chief financial officer Niko Haavisto would leave the company, with the firm moving quickly to appoint an interim replacement whilst searching for a permanent successor.

The Helsinki-listed company announced that Jari Huuhtanen, currently vice president of group business control, would step into the CFO role on an interim basis from June 1st as the recruitment process gets underway.

Nokian Tyres, known for its winter and all-season tyres, provided no details regarding Haavisto's reasons for departure or his future plans.

The announcement comes during a challenging period for the global tyre industry, which has faced supply chain disruptions and fluctuating raw material costs.

"I want to thank Niko for his contributions to the company. Niko has been a valuable member in the Nokian Tyres team, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours," said Paolo Pompei, president and chief executive of Nokian Tyres.

The company has not disclosed a timeline for appointing Haavisto's permanent replacement.

Michelin Opens New Service Store In Bengaluru As Premium Car Market Grows

Michelin Opens New Service Store In Bengaluru As Premium Car Market Grows

French tyre manufacturer partners with Cherry Tyre Park for 3,000 sq ft facility in Indiranagar

Michelin has opened a new service store in Bengaluru, expanding its retail footprint in India's technology capital as demand for premium automotive services rises alongside growing luxury car ownership.

The 3,000 square foot Michelin Tyres & Services Store, located in the upmarket Indiranagar district, has been established through a partnership with Cherry Tyre Park, India's largest tyre retail network. The facility offers precision tyre fitting, wheel balancing and alignment services.

Michelin's expansion comes as Bengaluru experiences increased demand for high-performance mobility solutions, driven by a growing market for premium and luxury vehicles in the city, which serves as India's information technology hub.

"Bengaluru has always been a key market for us with our consumers valuing quality, innovation, and performance. The launch of this new Michelin Tyres & Services store in partnership with Cherry Tyre Park strengthens our commitment to bringing world-class services and a premium experience for our customers in this dynamic and fast-growing market," said Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director of Michelin India.

The store was inaugurated by Siddharth Mehta, Marketing Director at Michelin India, alongside representatives from Cherry Tyre Park.

Cherry Tyre Park has maintained a partnership with Michelin for over 12 years. The collaboration reflects Michelin's strategy to leverage established retail networks whilst expanding its presence in India's southern region.

The French company, which positions itself as a technology leader in the tyre industry, has been tailoring its premium offerings to meet the requirements of luxury and high-performance vehicles as India's automotive market evolves.

Michelin's latest store opening underscores the company's broader commitment to enhancing retail infrastructure and customer service capabilities across key Indian markets, particularly in regions with significant premium vehicle penetration.

Comerio Ercole Marks 140 Years with Major R&D Expansion

Comerio Ercole Marks 140 Years with Major R&D Expansion

Italian industrial machinery manufacturer Comerio Ercole SpA is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year whilst unveiling significant investments in research and development capabilities as the family-owned company seeks to strengthen its position in global polymer processing markets.

The Busto Arsizio-based firm, which exports 94 percent of its production worldwide and employs 250 people across its group operations, has published a commemorative 272-page book documenting its industrial journey from 1885 to 2025. The company was founded by Ercole Comerio, known affectionately as “Ul Balösu”, who launched the enterprise the same year he married Teresa Marcora.

Comerio Ercole will showcase two major technological developments at its main production facility on 6th  June, opening its doors to institutional partners and industry stakeholders. The company is launching a new universal Industry 5.0 manufacturing centre alongside an expanded R&D technology centre featuring advanced experimental equipment.

“Our corporate DNA is based on deep respect for tradition and constant forward-looking drive within an evolutionary process that never stops,” said Riccardo Comerio. “Every day we face challenging and stimulating situations that push us to keep improving.”

The R&D expansion includes two new experimental machines - one for mixing and one for calendaring - equipped with cutting-edge longitudinal stretching units for thin sheets. The facility’s main laboratory operates as a “mini-factory” with a four-roll calendering line that can be reconfigured to three or five rolls depending on process requirements.

The enhanced laboratory features a dual-feeding system accommodating direct extrusion and feeding from mills and internal mixers. A second laboratory houses a calendering line designed for the embossing processes of films and nonwovens, offering up to 100 different patterns for material enhancement.

These investments are designed to bolster the company’s capacity to support customers in developing new polymer and elastomer processing techniques. Comerio Ercole’s R&D team provides project support through patent validation, underlining the firm’s focus on technology and service delivery.

Economic journalist Luciano Landoni, who authored the commemorative book's afterword, highlighted the company’s entrepreneurial example. “The entrepreneurial example of Comerio Ercole is highly motivating, especially for young people, who now more than ever need concrete signals based on competence, passion and vision," he said.

The company operates under the corporate structure of Comerio Ercole SpA a Socio Unico, with a share capital of €2.2 million, and is coordinated by Comerio 1885 Holding Srl SB. Its machinery serves customers in the polymer and rubber processing industries globally, and the firm maintains its headquarters at Via Castellanza 100 in Busto Arsizio, northern Italy.

Nexen Tire Bags 2025 Red Dot Design Award For Winguard Sport 3

Nexen Tire

South Korea’s Nexen Tire, a leading tyre manufacturer, has won the 2025 Red Dot Design Award in the Product Design Category.

The judges appreciated the company’s winter tyre – Winguard Sport 3’s performance-driven design that was tailored for extreme winter conditions. The company shared that the Winguard Sport 3 takes inspiration from bird wings, the V-shaped tread pattern enhances traction and steering control on snowy roads. It uses a specially formulated compound that provides flexibility even at low temperatures, maintaining grip and offering reliable performance in harsh winter climates.

The sidewall features dynamic graphics and a snowflake emblem to combine sporty aesthetics with seasonal identity.

The Red Dot Design Award is organised by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany, evaluates entries based on innovation, functionality, durability and overall design excellence. This also marks the second consecutive year for Nexen to win a Red Dot recognition.

The tyre is expected to be launched in Europe during the winter of 2025.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, Nexen Tire, said, “This award is a testament to Nexen Tire’s evolution as a brand that combines technological sophistication with strong design capabilities. We will continue to introduce products that balance driving performance with aesthetic appeal, delivering differentiated brand value in the global market.”