According to a research report, by 2026, TMPS penetration will up to 79% and 25.26 million units be installed from the installation 16.49 million units in 2019. China will be the main growth driver for the TPMS segment

Growing legal compulsions and focus on safety, comfort and fuel efficiency will drive demand for tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), says Agneta Ronceret, EMEA TPMS Manager for OEM, truck and industrial markets at ATEQ.

ATEQ is the leader in supplying a wide range of TPMS activation tools for tyre workshops and assembly lines at auto manufacturing plants across the globe. ATEQ’s TPMS range covers simple TPMS triggering tools, TPMS reset tools, complete TPMS relearn tools and more advanced TPMS diagnostic and programming tools, which can either be used autonomously or in combination with an OEM scan tool.  The company’s TPMS decoding tool can trigger or activate sensors, receive TPMS sensor information and send the TPMS sensor information to the vehicle’s ECU. The TPMS sensor information collected by the TPMS decoding tool includes the pressure within the tyre, the temperature of the TPMS sensor, the wheel rotating speed, the TPMS sensor unique ID, the battery status of the TPMS sensor, and more.

TMPS legal requirement was introduced in 2008 after Firestone recalled more than 6.5 million vehicles due to tread separations. As per the first version of the Tread Act, from 2008, all passenger vehicles and light trucks with GVWR of 10,000 lbs and less should be equipped with a TPMS. Europe, in 2012, too formulated EU TPMS regulations to make to TPMS compulsory in all new passenger vehicles from November 2014.

As of now the European Union, the United States, South Korea and China have already made TPMS mandatory in the vehicles, while other countries such as Japan, Indonesia, India, the Philippines and Malaysia are in the process to introduce TMPS legislation in the respective markets soon.

“Many countries and auto companies have a vision of zero road accidents or casualties. Followed by the US and Europe, other major markets, such as China, which is the largest automotive market, have also made TMPS mandatory. Multiple companies are also voluntarily implementing TPMS in their vehicles to optimize safety, mileage, and comfort. These trends will drive the growth for the TMPS market,” Ronceret told Tyre Trends.

According to a research report, by 2026, TMPS penetration will up to 79% and 25.26 million units be installed from the installation 16.49 million units in 2019. China will be the main growth driver for the TPMS segment.

Ronceret was appointed to the position last year to tap growing demands of the OEM, Truck and Industrial segments for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australia and New Zealand regions. “There are lots of new activities that are happening in the OEM, Truck and Industrial segments. We have different objects for different segments. As the market grows and technology changes, ATEQ will bring innovations to increase our presence in the OEM, Truck and Industrial markets,” Ronceret said.

Air inflation

Tyres are the only component of the vehicle that touches the road. From safety and comfort and mileage largely depend on the air inflation in the tyres. Generally, a tyre naturally loses 0.2 atmospheres (2.9 PSI) every three months, and a slow puncture precedes 85% of all tyre blasts. Inappropriate tyre cause to the instability of the vehicle, and less mileage and the total life of tyres.

According to a study, around 30% of underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption by 5%. NHTSA, US EPA and US GAO studies say that in the US alone the overall deterioration in fuel economy due to underinflated tyres is 3.3% and the average annual wasted fuel is between 1.2 and 2.8 billion gallons. Over 2 billion gallons of fuel are wasted in Europe annually due to underinflation, as per Bridgestone Europe. At the same time, tyre life reduces by 50% if it runs at 20% under-inflation.

A TPMS updates the driver on air pressure conditions of the tyres. Inside the tyre, behind the valve, sensors measure pressure and temperature all the time, and as soon as the tyre pressure starts to drop, the sensors begin omitting alert signals to the ECU. 

There are two types of TPMS sensors, direct and indirect. Using the TMPS inside the wheel, the direct TPMS sensor, mounted on the wheels or tyre, reports accurate data on tyre pressure to the ECU. The direct TPMS systems are used European, the US and Asian markets.

Based on the ABS sensors, the in-direct TPMS system analyses the acceleration of the tyre and if the dimension of the tyre changes, so will the acceleration of the tyres. The ABS sensors notice the changes in the dimension of tyres and indicate the same. “The direct the TPMS is more precise as it gives you real-time data on pressure, whereas the ABS sensors only give you an indication,” said Ronceret.

Today the company operates in the three TMPS segments- Workshop Tools, Truck TPMS and Industrial TPMS.

ATEQ workshop tools are used in OEM garages and vehicle workshops for activating, diagnosing, programming and fitting TPMS valves and sensors. The workshop tools also help to replace the broken sensors in the tyre and even programme the sensors. “There are companies that make universal sensors, so ATEQ TPMS tools help to write programmes for those sensors. The tools also help to pair the sensors with the ECU,” explained Ronceret.

Revenue-wise, the workshop tool is segment is the largest business for ATEQ.  “For the workshop tools, we have to be evolutive. A bigger challenge for the company is to have the compatible tools for the existing and future vehicles,” said Ronceret.

The industrial tools, fitted at one place, are used in the vehicle production line to check whether tyres are accurately inflated before mounting on the vehicles.

ATEQ has a comprehensive range of TPMS control equipment for small to large manufacturing. On the assembly lines, its TPMS test antennas are key for the installation of TPMS sensors and the pairing of TPMS sensors with the vehicle’s ECU. The company supplies customized TPMS tools test TPMS sensors on OEM light vehicle and truck production lines, as well as wheel and tyre assembly lines, laboratories and test benches all over the world.

In trucks, a 10 PSI, less air pressure increases, rolling resistance by 2%, while industry surveys show that consistent proper tyre inflation in truck tyres would increase fleet wear by 17%.  Today, understanding the importance of the right tyre pressure, now many fleet companies have installed TPMS systems to improve the total cost of ownership. For the European truck industry, the company provides the ATEQ VT TRUCK tool, which checks tyre pressure and sensor batteries to prevent under-inflation and reduce vehicle downtime due to tyre blowouts. The tool is compatible with most European truck and bus TPMS sensors and benefits from a continually growing vehicle coverage, thanks to frequent database updates,

The company gets data from all OEMs to make sure it is updated with the times. “We have all data since we work with OEMs since the integration at the production lines to the workshops. It is also essential of them to we can serve them all the times.” The company maintains confidentiality on the secured data. The tools deal with the information collected from sensors but do not store them.

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Dunlop will present its proprietary SENSING CORE technology at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas coming January. The prominent global trade event, scheduled for 6–9 January 2026, will serve as the platform for Dunlop to highlight the system's role in advancing safety for future autonomous mobility.

Central to the booth will be a display focused on evolving SENSING CORE into a broader technology platform. This exhibit will detail collaborative technical verifications with T2 Inc., a firm developing hub-to-hub autonomous trucking services. It will also feature integrated fleet service demonstrations combining the sensing technology with AI solutions from Viaduct, Inc., a US-based company acquired by Sumitomo Rubber in August 2025. The company plans to leverage this acquisition from 2026 to efficiently expand predictive maintenance services for fleet operators globally, including in Japan and European markets.

Further exhibit segments will immerse visitors in six future mobility scenarios, spanning logistics, public transportation and infrastructure. The company positions SENSING CORE as a foundational technology for safer autonomous driving, capable of gathering critical data on tyre and road surface conditions. This information is intended not only for direct vehicle control but also for cloud-based integration with broader societal data streams. Ongoing development efforts are aimed at supporting the realisation of a safer and more advanced mobility experience for all.

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India’s mounting tyre waste problem has found a determined challenger in Home Zone Rubber Solutions, a young but ambitious company from Vapi, Gujarat. Founded just four years ago by stainless-steel-industry veteran Jitendra Agarwal, the recycler has quickly scaled to processing more than half a million scrap tyres annually with plans to double capacity through an upcoming IPO. Armed with cutting-edge Danish Eldan technology and a vision that blends environmental responsibility with industrial innovation, Agarwal is positioning Home Zone not just as a recycler but as a pioneer of India’s circular economy in rubber.

Home Zone Rubber Solutions, headquartered in Vapi, Gujarat, is rapidly establishing itself as one of India’s foremost tyre recycling companies. Established just four years ago by Managing Director Jitendra Agarwal, the company’s roots trace back to a legacy in stainless steel manufacturing. However, post-pandemic, Agarwal saw an opportunity to pivot towards environmental sustainability through tyre recycling owing to its immense potential but significant challenges.

Speaking exclusively to Tyre Trends, Agarwal said, “Our family has always been in the stainless steel business, but I have long been passionate about environmental issues and recycling. When the opportunity presented itself after lockdown, we grabbed it with both hands.”

Today, Home Zone processes around 5,000 tonnes of scrap tyres every month, which translates to over half a million tyres annually. Agarwal shared that with an upcoming initial public offering, the company plans to double this capacity, targeting recycling of up to 10 million scrap tyres annually.

“This is a huge achievement because tyres are among the most hazardous wastes worldwide. They can take 150 to 200 years to decompose if left unchecked. They pollute landfills and oceans alike, so taking millions of tyres off the roads and recycling them is vital to protecting our environment,” Agarwal explained.

INNOVATIVE METHODOLOGY

At the heart of Home Zone’s process is a sophisticated tyre recycling line sourced from Denmark, known as Eldan. This machinery stands out as one of the most advanced globally, capable of reclaiming 99.9 percent crumb rubber granules from shredded tyres, claimed the executive.

“Separating components like steel is fairly straightforward, but the fibre and rubber separation is incredibly complex. Our line is the only one currently in India with a full Eldan setup, and it delivers unparalleled efficiency and quality,” Agarwal said.

The crumb rubber generated is classified in mesh sizes in granular levels ranging from 5 up to 20 mesh currently. The company is working towards finer mesh granules going up to 40 and eventually 80 to 120 mesh, which are essential for manufacturing new tyres from recycled material. Agarwal notes that this progression is gradual given the technological challenges of grinding tyres to such fine granularity in a controlled environment.

The applications for crumb rubber extend beyond new tyres. The company’s crumb rubber is widely used in diverse sectors including sports turf grounds, anti-slip tiles, automotive components, conveyor belts, industrial footwear and infrastructure projects.

The company maintains a research and development team, including experts in robotics technology, to ensure product quality and innovation. “As we move into finished products ourselves, quality testing and consistent innovation are vital,” Agarwal stressed.

One particularly unique product is the cow mat, exported from India to dairy-producing countries worldwide. Made from crumb rubber, these mats improve cow comfort, reduce blood pressure of animals and consequently increase milk production. This innovation exemplifies how recycling can impact even agricultural practices.

MARKET WATCH

While Home Zone currently primarily serves the domestic market, exports are an important growth area. Plans include selling crumb rubber and finished mats to markets in the Middle East, Europe and China. Agarwal sees China as a significant opportunity, especially for finished rubber products rather than just raw crumb rubber.

To support this expansion, the company has identified a 25-acre land parcel near Mundra port, approximately 9.5 kilometres from the port itself. This facility aims to be a fully integrated recycling and manufacturing hub, where crumb rubber will be processed into finished products before export. The target for beginning operations is late 2026.

Furthermore, while India remains the third largest generator of scrap tyres globally, Agarwal pointed out that the supply of these tyres for recycling is fragmented and inefficient, forcing Indian recyclers to import scrap tyres from the US and Europe, often at lower costs due to government subsidies and more streamlined collection systems abroad.

To tackle this, Agarwal has launched Re-Tyre Bazar, India’s first organised scrap tyre collection network. Initially rolling out centres in states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, this initiative aims to consolidate the fragmented supply chain and enable recyclers to source Indian scrap tyres exclusively in the near future.

“If we can organise this chain effectively, we won’t need imports except as a bonus. That would validate the model and mark a major step forward for the Indian recycling industry,” Agarwal said.

Re-Tyre Bazar operates as an independent company and is intended to serve the entire Indian recycling sector, rather than being exclusive to Home Zone Rubber Solutions.

FOCUS VIEW

Agarwal highlighted that about 70 percent of Indian scrap tyres come from the truck and bus segment. “TBR scrap tyres generally lend themselves to higher quality  recycling applications, compared to passenger car tyres,” he explained. This focus area presents significant opportunity for the company as it scales production and refines crumb rubber quality.

Addressing common misconceptions about tyre quality, he stated, “Many believe that American and European tyres are superior, but it’s not true. Indians may even have a 5 to 10 percent advantage due to how tyres are used and road conditions.”

He was also candid about rumours that some importers misuse scrap tyre imports licenses, selling raw material rather than using it in production. “Such misuse is limited to a small minority, but government agencies must enforce regulations strictly to protect industry credibility,” he said.

On the regulatory front, Agarwal views government initiatives such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as positive developments that place recycling obligations on tyre manufacturers. However, careful enforcement is needed. He also advocates for consumer awareness campaigns and incentives like green labelling for recycled products.

“Consumers want environmentally friendly choices. A green label on products made from recycled rubber could boost demand and support the circular economy,” Agarwal noted.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

The upcoming IPO is a major step towards funding Home Zone’s expansion. Public filings indicate the company aims to increase production capacity from around 57,000 metric tonnes annually and invest in new machinery and facilities.

“We expect the next decade to be very exciting for the industry,” Agarwal said confidently.

Reflecting on the company’s environmental mission, Agarwal concluded, “We inherited this planet from our parents and grandparents. If we cannot leave it better, let us at least leave it as we found it.”

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Ian Andrews steps into the role of NTDA Chief Executive at a precarious moment for the UK tyre industry, where skills shortages, demographic shifts and mounting environmental pressures threaten to outpace the sector’s readiness. New to tyres but not to membership organisations, Andrews must prove his ability to turn fresh perspective into actionable solutions bridging gaps in recruitment, diversity and sustainability while convincing members that the nearly century-old association can adapt quickly enough to safeguard its relevance.

Ian Andrews, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA), has embarked on a mission to address urgent challenges within the UK tyre sector, undertaking a comprehensive strategy to tackle recruitment issues, enhance member engagement, promote collaboration and advance environmental sustainability.

Coming from two decades of senior leadership in membership-based organisations but new to the tyre industry itself, Andrews brings a fresh perspective combined with seasoned leadership skills to the nearly 100-year-old trade association.

Upon assuming his role, Andrews emphasised a grounded approach focused on learning directly from NTDA members. “My immediate priorities are to understand the challenges and opportunities that face the tyre sector here in UK, principally, but globally as well,” he shared.

Approaching the role without preconceived notions, he aims to listen and respond to member feedback. Early indications point to recruitment and careers as pressing issues. “Careers and recruitment seem to be one of the early areas of work that we need to focus on. There are significant recruitment issues here in UK, not just in tyres but across the whole motor vehicle sector,” said Andrews during the exclusive interview with Tyre Trends.

TACKLING GAPS

The UK tyre sector faces a looming demographic shift with a substantial number of experienced professionals expected to retire over the next decade, risking a critical loss of institutional knowledge and technical skills.

Andrews warned, “The sector has got a significant number of people who will retire in the next 10 years. So there’ll be a significant loss of knowledge and skills.”

While larger companies have training and HR departments to manage recruitment and development efforts, smaller businesses face a heavier burden. “They are doing it themselves, and if you’re employing somebody new, then it’s a huge commitment to train and develop that person until they start generating revenue and making a return on the investment,” he explained.

Recognising the sector’s traditionally male-dominated nature, Andrews stressed the imperative of building a more diverse workforce. “We need to look at getting a better and more diverse workforce. Moreover, any business should be reflective of the community it’s working in. If you’re in an ethnically diverse community, your workforce will be best when it’s ethnically diverse,” he noted.

Yet he acknowledged the cultural shift required will take time and that’s not going to happen overnight.

Furthermore, Brexit has complicated recruitment by reducing access to talent from Europe, shifting the focus predominantly to UK-based recruitment. “Most of the tyre sector focus is on UK recruitment, perhaps more so now after Brexit,” Andrews noted.

Despite these constraints, his message was clear: “If we keep doing what we’ve always done, we’ll end up with what we’ve always had. So we need to look at doing different things. Reaching different groups of people.”

To address the skills and professionalism gap, NTDA has expanded its tyre technician licensing schemes significantly. Andrews reported robust uptake with over 16,000 technicians licensed by the NTDA.

This growth is particularly notable in the past two years. Acknowledging the specialised skills needed in emerging technologies, he highlighted the introduction of licensing for electric vehicle tyre (EV) technicians. “The whole electric vehicle is bringing a new plethora of challenges and opportunities. It’s a different skill set. Everything is different in EVs,” he said.

ENGAGING MEMBERS

Member engagement and retention stand as foundational pillars for Andrews’s leadership as well. He aims to increase members’ awareness of

NTDA’s benefits and encourage their active participation. “Often, members pay their membership fee but don’t really explore all the member benefits,” he observed.

Plans include surveying members on their benefit awareness and usefulness while exploring additional services that may be introduced. To foster greater connection, Andrews is looking at enhancing local engagement through regional events across UK, alongside leveraging digital platforms.

He mentioned, “We run large national events in October, including our National Tire Conference and National Tire Awards, which are very well supported. But we need to explore how else we can engage with members on a more local basis for physical events but also on a digital basis.”

His previous experience includes organising half-day digital forums with speakers and interactive participation, offering participants the flexibility to attend live or watch recorded sessions later.

Collaboration within the sector forms a cornerstone of Andrews’s strategic outlook. While mindful and cautious of anti-competitive regulations, he believes substantial benefits can come from sharing resources and best practices, especially on recruitment and sustainability challenges.

“There’s always greater advantage in collaboration than there is in competition. Who is doing it well? What are they willing to share? What resources do they have that might be made more widely available?” he asserted.

At the same time, he acknowledged the necessity of protecting commercially sensitive information: “There will always be things that are commercially sensitive and need to be kept such, but that’s fine. Let’s collaborate on the 90 percent that isn’t commercially sensitive and keep the 10 percent that is.”

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Environmental stewardship and sustainability have emerged prominently on the NTDA agenda. Andrews described active engagement with the UK Environment Agency regarding the management of end-of-life tyres.

“We’re engaged with the agency that is responsible for where end-of-life tyres end up, making sure that they end up in the right place at the right time and don’t clog up our rivers, canals and green spaces,” he stated.

Growing government interest in tyre runoff impacting watercourses may further intensify oversight. “There’s government interest in where runoff from tyres is ending up in the water courses,” Andrews noted, emphasising the importance of proactive dialogue. “With all aspects of working with government, it’s about getting to them before they get to you.”

He committed to openness and transparency if issues arise, stating, “If there’s an issue, then be upfront and open that there’s an issue and we’re working on it and there is a solution.”

Looking to the future, Andrews identified his plans for NTDA’s next three to five years that include member growth, recruitment and environmental awareness. “Internally, it is driving member engagement and member value and therefore driving up member growth,” he shared.

Externally, recruitment and environmental matters are key concerns. Noting that larger companies typically have sustainability specialists, Andrews highlighted the need to support smaller businesses struggling to navigate sustainability practices. “Helping the whole sector regardless of the size of the business is important,” he said.

Throughout the interview, Andrews repeatedly underscored the fundamental role of the tyre industry in public health and safety. “The tyre sector is fundamentally about health, safety and well-being,” he emphasised.

“You wouldn’t put your most precious things anywhere without some assurance that they’re going to be safe. Let’s not put our partners, children, parents into vehicles without some assurance that the tyres are going to do the job that’s expected of them,” he asserted.

Based in Halesbury, Buckinghamshire, Andrews expressed enthusiasm for leading the NTDA forward. While new to tyres, he is confident in his ability to learn quickly with the board and executive council’s support. “The tyre stuff I will learn. When I joined the BPCA, I knew nothing about pest control. Now I’d like to think the same will be true of tyres. It’s all learnable,” he said.

He also stressed his readiness to bring expert colleagues to discussions, for example, when facing government ministers, to ensure the expertise needed is present.

As he takes charge of NTDA during a time of transformation, Andrews seeks to position the association as the collective voice of the tyre sector, delivering professional standards and fostering a collaborative, diverse and sustainable industry that prioritises safety and well-being.

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Fornnax has officially launched one of the world's largest integrated hubs for recycling innovation: a New Product Development centre and demo plant spanning over 12 acres. This facility is a critical milestone in the company's strategic vision to become a global leader in recycling solutions by 2030. It is designed to accelerate the advancement of recycling technology through a comprehensive, customer-focused approach.

The centre’s core function is its New Product Development framework, which is built upon a meticulous Gate Review Process. This system ensures precision from conception to completion. The journey begins with market research and ideation from the Sales and Marketing team, followed by a strategic review by the Leadership Team. The Design Team then creates detailed plans that are evaluated by Manufacturing, Service and Safety teams. After final approval, a functional prototype is built and subjected to a rigorous six to eight-month validation phase. The process concludes with design optimisation for mass production, officially launching the equipment for the global market. This method not just upgrades Fornnax's shredders and granulators – enhancing their capacity, energy efficiency and operational availability to 18–20 hours per day – but also validates the equipment for up to 3,000–15,000 hours under real-world conditions

A key feature of the facility is its open-door policy for clients. Customers can bring their specific materials to the demo plant to test equipment performance across various machines and conditions, providing a risk-free environment for informed investment decisions. The centre will also drive research into emerging recycling applications, such as E-waste, cables and lithium-ion batteries, where specialised engineering teams will conduct feasibility studies to design tailored solutions.

Beyond technology, the facility includes an OEM training centre dedicated to developing a skilled workforce. The programme trains operators and maintenance engineers, who gain hands-on experience before being deployed to support Fornnax's customer base. The company will also deliver comprehensive corporate training to domestic and international clients, empowering them with the expertise for optimal plant operation and maintenance. By uniting R&D, testing and training under one roof, Fornnax is establishing a powerful foundation to scale its offerings and lead the next generation of recycling technology.

Jignesh Kundariya, Director and CEO, Fornnax, said, "Innovation in product development is the key to success of becoming a global leader. With this new facility, we now have the speed, flexibility and controlled environment to design, test and validate new technologies in just six to eight months, something that would take significantly 4–5 years at a customer site. Each machine will undergo validation according to global standards, with every critical part and assembly rigorously tested under Engineering Build (EB) and Manufacturing Build (MB) protocols. Our goal is to empower customers with clarity and confidence before they invest. This facility allows them to test their own materials under real-world conditions, compare machines and see results firsthand. It’s not just about selling equipment; it’s about building trust through transparency and delivering solutions that truly work for their unique needs.”

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