February/March 2026

Forces Redefining Tyre Technology The stories in this edition collectively show how tyre technology is entering a decisive phase of transformation, driven by the convergence of digital development, advanced materials, sustainability and system-level engineering. Together, they reveal an industry moving beyond incremental gains towards a more integrated and intelligent approach to tyre design. Digitalisation and high-fidelity simulation are reshaping tyre R&D by reintroducing human perception into the development loop, enabling engineers to evaluate ride, noise and handling earlier while reducing time, cost and physical testing. At the same time, shifts in vehicle architecture – heavier SUVs, electrification and rising torque loads – are redefining performance priorities, pushing tyres to deliver higher load capacity, lower rolling resistance and tighter NVH control. Material innovation forms the second pillar of this transition. Regenerated carbon black, circular feedstocks and fully bio-based process oils demonstrate how sustainability is becoming inseparable from performance and scalability. Finally, the growing focus on tyre-wheel assembly underscores a broader move towards system integration, where manufacturing precision and process control directly influence safety, durability and perceived quality. Collectively, these themes point to the technological foundations that will define the next generation of tyres.