However, the huge effort to support the automotive and tyre sectors could not prevent a dramatic 20% drop in demand for consumer tyres, which of course had an impact on retail. The repeated closures, coupled with the economic crisis and the closure of some factories due to mobility restrictions have had a major impact on the tyre industry in terms of sales and job losses.

The lockdown has changed shopping habits and the number of trips has declined in all countries. Driving less means fewer new tyres sold. This means that the industry's revenue growth is expected to stagnate over the period 2020-2022 as the pandemic effect continues to dampen the flow of motor vehicles lowering demand. In fact, weaker demand for tyres is expected to bankrupt some small tyre dealers, with small non-employer businesses being the most vulnerable.

Changes in the way tyres are distributed also affect the tyre dealer. Gas stations and auto repair shops are becoming less and less important in terms of sales. This trend is expected to continue. Differences in wholesale, price, service, warranty and performance are no longer essential keys to staying competitive.

During lockdowns, small businesses in particular found themselves in unpredictable circumstances and many had to close their doors. However, the pandemic has created more than just disruption and uncertainty. It sparked a new spirit of persistent creativity.

The pandemic effect has actually changed the way business is done. The market value of e-commerce will be four or five times that of any country in the coming years.

Some tyre retail authorities are confident that it will not be out of reach for the industry to return to 2019 levels in 2021. If possible, how will this be achieved, as habits and opportunities purchasing have changed dramatically. They assume that in 2021 it will only be a question of achieving a “return to normal.” In fact, defining “normal” is the hardest part, although 30% of Western tyre replacement markets are still covered by Southeast Asian tyre manufacturers.

The pandemic effect has actually changed the way business is done. First, consumers have chosen to shop online more than ever. The future of retail emphasises the digitalisation of the world. Cashless and digital payment is becoming consumer behaviour and increasingly relies on digital payment. We are seeing a recovery in the e-commerce sector.

We know that the number of “buy now, pay later” platforms has increased dramatically in some countries. Consumers can visit and compare online e-commerce stores in seconds. Marketing a product has never seen such great competition. The market value of e-commerce will be four or five times that of any country in the coming years.

E-commerce service solutions are gaining importance as online tyre sales offerings become available.

The five largest tyre manufacturers offer motorists online shopping experiences. Customers can buy the products and reserve the assembly through their selected local dealer. Customers can therefore buy tyres directly online, either on a computer or on a mobile phone. The online store provides the tyre options available as well as clear information needed in the selection process to guide consumers to the specific tyre that meets their needs.

At the same time, the fitting network is directly connected to the store via the online planner and allows the consumer to directly make an appointment for the fitting of tyres. Another benefit for consumers is that all tyre and installation costs are paid online and in advance so they can easily show up at the scheduled installation time. This may enrich the activity of some tyre dealers as a member of the e-commerce solution partner network.

Most customers, however, want the approval and perspective of a qualified tyre professional. There is a common belief that tyres are sold, not bought! This nuance focuses on our view that consumers ultimately want to consult with someone who knows how these tyres fit, how they react and most importantly their quality, before making the purchasing decision. Conversely, how will this aspect of customer habits affect the e-commerce tyre network?

On the other hand, it takes huge finished product SKUs and huge warehouses for e-commerce operations to handle thousands of orders every day. Therefore, we are usually talking about a high amount of logistics costs, which represent about 6 to 10 percent of total sales. E-commerce service solutions are gaining in importance as online tyre sales offerings become available.

2020 has been an interesting year for e-commerce in general. Large companies have improved their skills in this regard. Overall, more and more consumers are turning to online sellers, as many tyre manufacturers have seen. However, careful analysis of consumer transactions and changes in customer behaviour must also be done in the everyday environment, including other brands, and the huge data centre entrances must be analyzed very well. Rigorous processes and close cooperation are the best ways to ensure the integrity and quality of sensitive and valuable products.

Therefore, agility and adaptability will be of crucial importance in the global supply chain for mobility in the years to come. Remaining flexible is the effective response to this growing complexity by optimizing current operations while remaining sufficiently adaptable and scalable to meet future demand peaks. To do this, tyre manufacturers need to work closely with their logistics service provider to present and implement powerful new approaches to tyre logistics.

For small and medium-sized enterprises, the message of the past few months is clear: bold strategies are required to survive and thrive in the current economic downturn, and those strategies should include a robust e-commerce plan with a strong cross-component.

It is certain that “online sales” will become more popular in the years to come. Therefore, innovative e-commerce solutions will never stop. In any case, nothing is immune from fierce competition. Businesses of all sizes need smart recovery strategies. Those who are more diligent and see future opportunities are better prepared to survive.

So, it is certain that “Online Tyre Sales” will become more popular in the years to come. Whoever has a robust e-commerce plan is diligent and agile will win in the market. (TT)

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has launched a new seasonal campaign warning British drivers that spring rainfall poses a hidden danger often overlooked after the harsh winter months. The initiative, named ‘Drip Drip Drop – ‘Little’ April Showers’, focuses on the rising threat of aquaplaning as more vehicles return to roads that remain treacherously slick from sudden downpours.

National data shows that poor tyre maintenance is a leading cause of fatal incidents, with three quarters of car tyre defects linked to neglect. Research further reveals that at 70 miles per hour (approximately 112 kmph), worn tyres add 27 metres to the standard wet stopping distance, an increase of nearly 30 percent compared to the Highway Code baseline.

Incorrect tyre pressure compounds the problem significantly. Underinflated tyres struggle to channel water away, overheat more quickly and extend braking distances, while overinflated tyres reduce the tyre’s contact patch and compromise grip. Spring’s fluctuating morning and evening temperatures make pressure changes especially common during April.

Even tyres above the legal minimum tread depth can fail in heavy rain. Continental Tyres’ research found that at 50 miles per hour, tyres with 1.6 mm of tread required 6.9 metres longer to stop than new tyres with 8 mm tread, whereas those with 3 mm added 2.7 metres. Light rain after dry spells mixes with oil and debris, creating conditions where worn or incorrectly inflated tyres lose all steering and braking control.

With bank holidays, leisure travel and outdoor activities increasing during longer daylight hours, TyreSafe urges motorists not to assume the worst weather has passed. April showers arrive without warning, and the combination of winter road grime and sudden rainfall can turn a routine journey into a dangerous aquaplaning event within seconds. TyreSafe urges road users to embrace the simple ACT protocol: regular checks of air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “April showers might sound harmless, but when they hit busy roads and combine with worn or incorrectly inflated tyres, the consequences can be devastating. Aquaplaning can happen in seconds and without warning. The research is clear – poor tyre maintenance dramatically increases stopping distances in wet conditions. That’s why we’re urging road users to ACT: check your Air pressure, inspect the Condition and monitor your Tread. A few minutes of checks could prevent a lifetime of consequences.”

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Mitas has officially entered a three-year agreement with the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA), marking a significant commitment to one of North America’s most extreme motorsports. The partnership, set to run from 2026 through 2028, designates Mitas as the Official Agriculture Tire sponsor of the championship and Title Sponsor of the Mitas National Finals Pull-Off.

Tractor pulling represents a severe test of both raw power and engineering precision. Competitors pilot highly modified machines to drag a heavy sled down a dirt track, with resistance increasing incrementally until only the strongest and best-prepared vehicles remain. Success depends entirely on transferring massive horsepower to the ground under extreme conditions, where tire grip and consistency frequently determine the winner. The NTPA season includes over 60 events across United States, running from spring through early fall, with deep roots in the Midwest. As an official partner, Mitas will gain prominent visibility on and off the track while actively supporting the growth of the sport.

Central to this collaboration is the Mitas PowerPull tyre, a product specifically engineered for tractor pulling to convert raw engine output into winning performance. Designed to manage extreme torque and deliver maximum grip, the PowerPull functions as a slick tyre that permits teams to cut custom tread patterns based on track conditions and individual race strategy, providing a measurable competitive advantage.

The season will conclude with the Mitas National Finals Pull-Off, the championship’s premier event where the year’s top competitors vie for national titles. Scheduled for 18 and 19 September 2026, in Urbana, Ohio, the finals serve as the ultimate showcase of performance, innovation and passion. As title sponsor, Mitas deepens its connection to the pulling community by attaching its name to this marquee competition.

Roberta D’Agnano, Global Marketing Director Mitas at Yokohama TWS, said, “The collaboration with NTPA connects Mitas to two worlds where performance truly matters: tough daily work in the field and the most extreme competitive environments. Tractor pulling is the ultimate expression of what farmers face every day – delivering power to the ground, staying consistent under pressure and performing when limits are pushed.

“Performance isn’t just about winning on the track – it’s about delivering results when it counts most, whether in competition or on the farm. In tractor pulling, every component is tested to the extreme, just as it is in real agricultural operations. That’s why we feel a strong connection with this community. The NTPA community embodies passion, resilience and a nonstop drive to push boundaries; values that are core to the Mitas brand. We’re excited to be part of this world, learning from these extreme conditions and turning that knowledge into tyres that perform where it matters most for farmers and pullers alike.”

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Maxxis has officially unveiled the next generation of its widely used MaxxTerra rubber compound, engineered to deliver marked improvements in both durability and traction for performance mountain bike tyres. Responding to rider concerns about rising costs and the desire for longer-lasting equipment, the brand has focused on extending tyre lifespan without compromising the rolling efficiency that its products are known for.

Following extensive laboratory development, Maxxis engineers have achieved a reported 30 percent gain in tread wear and durability compared to the original MaxxTerra, alongside a 15 percent increase in traction. Crucially, these enhancements come without any sacrifice in rolling resistance, ensuring consistent performance from the first ride through many subsequent outings, thereby reducing the frequency of tyre changes and maximising trail time.

The updated compound is being introduced across the full range of Maxxis trail tyres in phases, with the first phase available immediately. The new generation is identifiable by packaging marked with a New MaxxTerra graphic, while the tyre’s tech badge now simply reads MaxxTerra, replacing the previous designation of 3C MaxxTerra.

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Tana is poised to deliver a compelling presence at IFAT 2026, scheduled for 4–7 May, where the central invitation for attendees is to Feel the Energy through live displays of high-performance machinery, recent innovations and advanced digital tools. This year’s exhibition focuses on how intelligent technology and powerful waste processing equipment can work together to achieve both efficiency and operational excellence.

Visitors can experience the TANA Hammerhead, a mobile shredder engineered for demanding waste environments with a focus on maximising uptime and productivity. On the first day of the show, Tana will also unveil an exciting new product, representing a major leap in waste management technology through innovative engineering and practical operational benefits. Live demonstrations of the TANA Shark shredder will take place daily at 10:30, 12:00, 14:30, and 16:00 at the stand of German distributor VENETO Schwenter GmbH (FS.911/1).

Another highlight is the Tana Wingman, a live digital operator assistant that improves visibility, safety and efficiency. It provides real-time machine data and a live hopper camera view on a tablet interface without needing cloud services or internet, keeping all data secure on site. This system enhances situational awareness during loading and feeding, helping operators react quickly to blockages or irregular material flow while reducing the need to leave the operating area.

Tana is also piloting an AI-driven proof of concept called the TanaConnect Smart Assistant, developed with spogen.ai, which enables hands-free, voice-activated interaction for operators and service teams. This assistant offers intuitive, context-aware access to machine information, reducing time spent searching manuals. At Stand 227 in Hall B5, Tana welcomes IFAT attendees to an interactive space where experts are available to discuss how these solutions can improve productivity and workflows, offering a firsthand look at the future of waste management technology.

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