The last time I wrote about the best tyre industry innovations in 2021, I thought it would be natural to follow this up with an outlook for the European tyre market in 2022. In short – the market is stranger than ever. As the sea freight costs skyrocketed from Asia to all over the world around a year ago, many importers were uncertain if they would still be able to sell budget tyres, particularly from China in Europe, as the landed costs approached, or in some cases even exceeded, the cost of European produced second and third-tier brands. For this reason, many importers decided to skip not just the winter season imports but also the summer season, and the result is an almost historic shortage of budget tyres. Well, one could say that budget tyres are in the market no more, as the freight costs in some cases could amount to 50 percent of the tyre cost prices, pushing retail pricing into the realm of second-tier brands. Especially for truck and bus tyres, the shortage developing in 2022 is massive, and it’s not limited to Asian products.

As if this wasn’t enough, the cost of everything is increasing as well. Both commodities and raw materials are turning costlier at speeds not seen in a long time, with almost historically high inflation rates in the Euro Zone on the coattails. So, the picture of the tyre market has become increasingly oblique. There are still stocks of tyres from 2020 and 2021 where cost prices were drastically much lower than they are now, and this means that there may be offers of premium brands from 2020 floating around with unit prices for comparable sizes that are actually cheaper than the equivalent from a Chinese brand produced in 2022. It must be confusing for consumers until the stocks are depleted, and the segments normalise. The only difference is that the price gap between premium and budget has become much smaller. So, what will that do to market shares? Only time will tell. But as long as there is a shortage, I’m confident that tyres in all segments will still be sold, no matter what.

As I’m writing this, Russia has invaded Ukraine, and apart from the massive tragedy that it is, it has caused even further disruptions to supply chains, material and commodity availability, and the general purchasing power of European consumers. As the shipping lines to Russia are halted because of the war and massive exodus of foreign businesses in the country, and they are also reduced to US as the port congestion and carrier queues on the West coast have reached unmanageable levels for the carriers, the lines and container availability is expected to ease up a bit for European destination ports, which means that sea freight costs could also be on the way down again. But there are so many factors pulling in both directions that any sane person would abscond from placing large bets on anything.

In Europe, the pandemic is gradually disappearing, and only some countries still have restrictions in place. But the situation is drastically different in Asia, especially China, where new lockdowns are underway, and the virus is spreading like never before since the very first outbreak. Knowing how swiftly the Chinese government shuts everything down and enforces curfews on whole cities when they have just a few infected, it’s very likely that logistics and port terminals will be hampered or closed off completely, and that could knock all stability in the shipping market out once more.

The only thing that is clear so far is that cost complexity for tyre production, supply chain, and distribution has increased by an incredible factor over the past two years. Local production has never had such an advantage over Asian output as it has now. Still, on the other hand, the cost of raw materials and freight costs for said materials have increased tremendously, as have road transportation and distribution costs. The cost of production is growing all over the globe as the cost of electricity and steam supply is also multiplying. However, as salaries are following the extremely high inflation rate, the most automated production facilities still have an advantage over the labour-heavy ones.

All these factors, in the end, affect budget tyres the most, as they are more sensitive to fluctuations in raw material and production costs and are particularly vulnerable to high freight and labour costs. At the moment, budget tyres from China are on par with or above several Japanese and Korean brands, and even second-tier brands produced in Eastern Europe. While this will certainly increase their prices gradually to distance themselves from the budget brands a bit more in terms of pricing, they don’t regulate overnight, and that means that effectively there is no budget segment in Europe for the major part of 2022 barring the second tier-priced brands made in countries all over the world that are usually priced very differently in the market.

I believe I’ve said many times that Chinese tyres are more competitive when the market is enjoying low costs all through the supply chain, as the raw material costs and transportation costs make up for most of the cost structure, while it accounts for a smaller fraction of the cost structure of a second-tier or premium brand tyre – here the heavier cost elements are R&D, testing, marketing etc. which is notoriously lacking in most Chinese tyre cost structures. So, in the current market, one might wonder where the customer segment for Chinese tyre products is as we move further into 2022. Depending on who you’re rooting for, the outlook might be very bleak.

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A new study from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has concluded that crumb rubber infill made from recycled tyres and used in synthetic turf fields poses no significant health risk to those who use or observe them. The comprehensive evaluation found no evidence linking these fields to cancer or other health issues for athletes, officials, coaches or spectators, including young children.

These engineered fields, designed to replicate natural grass, are popular due to their low maintenance, water efficiency and durable, consistent surface. Their widespread adoption in California includes over 900 installations. The infill itself consists of small granules from recycled waste tyres, which help keep the artificial blades upright and provide cushioning and traction.

OEHHA conducted the study to support California's sustainability efforts, specifically its Waste Tire Program, which seeks safe and beneficial uses for recycled materials that would otherwise go to landfills. To ensure a thorough assessment, researchers tested 35 different fields, varying in age and location to represent all of California's climate zones. Multiple samples were taken from each field to account for material differences, and air quality was monitored both during active play and at rest.

The study’s scope was unprecedented, analysing over 100 chemicals of potential concern, far more than previous investigations. In collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, researchers simulated human sweat and digestion to identify all chemicals to which a person might be exposed. To understand exposure pathways, OEHHA partnered with UC Berkeley and the University of Arizona. They surveyed over a thousand soccer players, ranging in age from 7 to 71, about their playing habits and observed games to document contact with the turf. The analysis used data from goalies, who have the most frequent contact, to estimate the maximum risk for all players, also considering the potential exposure for a crawling toddler. The final analysis indicated that risks related to cancer, reproductive harm or sensory irritation were negligible.

Kris Thayer, Director, OEHHA, said, "This study should ease concerns about the safety of crumb rubber use in synthetic turf fields. Athletes of all ages can use these fields without parents worrying about this commonly used material."

Zoe Heller, Director, CalRecycle, said, "Protecting public health is our top priority, and California is committed to making sure waste tyres are managed safely so they don’t litter communities or pose risks to residents. CalRecycle appreciates the work of OEHHA and its partners to advance our understanding in support of a cleaner, healthier circular economy."

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The all-new Vredestein Quatrac Pro 2, an ultra-high-performance (UHP) all-season tyre scheduled for launch this summer, will come armed with a next-generation tread compound technology and a highly innovative structure to deliver an unrivalled combination of year-round safety, performance and efficiency across dry, wet and winter conditions. This model represents a major advancement for the Vredestein brand, which has been a pioneer in the all-season sector since the early 1990s.

Developed from a clean sheet by Apollo Tyres at its Global R&D Centre in the Netherlands, the Quatrac Pro 2 was not an evolution of an existing design. Instead, engineers completely reimagined the tread, materials and structure to overcome the typical performance compromises found in this category. The tyre will be manufactured at Apollo’s advanced facility in Hungary.

The core of its capability is a new directional tread pattern. Longitudinal grooves work with a V-shaped design to maximise resistance to aquaplaning by efficiently evacuating water. Lateral grooves are sculpted to harmonise wet-road performance with winter traction, while a stable centre rib ensures precise dry handling and braking stability on both wet and dry surfaces. For snow-covered roads, advanced 3D interlocking sipes in the shoulder blocks provide grip without compromising tread stability in other conditions. A multi-pitch tread block sequence also refines the acoustic signature, which is particularly advantageous for electric and hybrid vehicles. The entire Quatrac Pro 2 range achieves an A-rated exterior noise label.

A revolutionary next-generation traction compound is central to the tyre’s versatile performance. This advanced material combines a unique mixture of resins and polymers with complex multi-filler technology. The result is a tyre that maintains a broad operational range across varying temperatures, with a strong emphasis on wet braking. It balances low-temperature flexibility for reliable grip on cold, wet and snowy surfaces with high-temperature stability for consistent handling and abrasion resistance on hot, dry roads, enhancing durability year-round. The tyre bears the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, confirming its winter capability.

This new compound and tread design are also optimised for electric and hybrid vehicles, managing the challenges of high battery mass and instant electric motor torque by ensuring consistent grip and tread stability. The engineering goal was to provide high levels of cornering stability and precision without sacrificing ride comfort, a balance that sets the tyre apart.

Complementing the compound, the tyre's structure has been entirely re-engineered. A stiffer bead area with a double taper design ensures secure bead seating even at high speeds while distributing forces more evenly for improved comfort and stability. A dedicated belt design optimises the tyre's footprint for enhanced mileage. In mixed fitments, this improves steering precision at the front axle and stability at the rear.

The Vredestein Quatrac Pro 2 will be available in an extensive range of sizes for 17- to 24-inch rims, including section widths up to 355 for high-performance vehicles. With speed ratings up to Y (300 kmph), it firmly positions itself at the pinnacle of the UHP all-season category, with high load rating options on select sizes.

Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Quatrac Pro 2 has exceeded the very demanding performance target we set during development while delivering superior wet grip, great snow handling, low rolling resistance and high mileage. By focusing on the fundamentals of tyre behaviour and rethinking tread design, materials and structure, we have created a performance-focused all-season tyre that delivers stability, mileage, all-season grip with best wet performance in category.”

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Trelleborg Tires will showcase its agricultural tyre solutions alongside its official distributor, Gomería Altamirano, at Expoagro 2026. The event is scheduled for 10–13 March 2026 at the Predio Ferial y Autódromo de San Nicolás in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Visitors to Booth 1504 will have the opportunity to explore high-performance radial tyres designed for the demands of contemporary farming. This collaboration represents a significant step in strengthening Trelleborg’s market presence in Argentina through a partnership with a well-established regional distributor.

The Argentine agricultural sector is increasingly transitioning from bias to radial tyre technology. This shift is driven by greater mechanisation, the use of higher horsepower equipment and a focus on improving field productivity. Farmers are turning to radial solutions for benefits such as superior traction, reduced fuel consumption, minimised soil compaction and longer tyre life. Trelleborg and Gomería Altamirano are actively supporting this evolution by providing products tailored to local conditions.

At the expo, two flagship tyre ranges will be highlighted. The TM1000 ProgressiveTraction series, intended for high-horsepower tractors, features patented double-edge lug technology to enhance grip, optimise the footprint and lower fuel usage. The TM3000 CFO range, engineered for combine harvesters, offers high load capacity at low inflation pressures to preserve soil structure and ensure reliability during harvesting.

With over six decades of experience serving central Argentina, Gomería Altamirano has built a strong regional reputation through its branches in Río Cuarto, Córdoba and Santa Rosa. Expoagro 2026 will mark their first joint exhibition, underscoring their shared dedication to delivering advanced radial technology to local farmers.

Pablo Altamirano, CEO, Gomería Altamirano, said, “For us, it is a source of pride to strengthen our partnership with Trelleborg Tires and bring world-leading tyre technology closer to Argentine producers. Trelleborg tyres are original equipment on many of the high-horsepower tractors, harvesters and sprayers currently sold and operating in the country. At Expoagro, we want to showcase these high-performance radial solutions, together with the track line that we are already commercialising, expanding the technological alternatives available to farmers.”

Eduardo Marrone, Commercial Manager, Trelleborg Tires, said, “We are proud to strengthen our alliance with Gomería Altamirano, a partner with deep regional expertise and a solid reputation in the Argentine agricultural market. Their close relationship with farmers plays a key role in supporting the country’s transition to radial technology. Together, we deliver premium tyre solutions that increase productivity, improve operational efficiency and promote more sustainable farming practices.”

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Pirelli is all set for the Chinese Grand Prix, which marks the first Sprint weekend of the 2026 Formula 1 season and will see the presentation of the newly redesigned Pirelli Sprint Qualifying Award. The second round of the championship will feature a 19-lap short race on Saturday, the first of six such events scheduled for the year.

The tyre allocation for the event remains unchanged from previous years, with teams supplied the C2, C3 and C4 compounds for the 5.451-kilometre Shanghai International Circuit. The track layout, inspired by the ‘shang’ ideogram, includes two primary straights and sixteen corners. One notable straight connects a slightly banked Turn 13 to Turn 14, while the other, which exceeds one kilometre in length, is where the starting grid is situated.

The circuit presents a varied challenge with a mix of high-speed corners, such as the sweeping Turns 7 and 8, and slower sections found at Turns 1, 3, 6 and 14. These demanding sequences, combined with fast straights, place significant stress on the tyres and will test the energy recovery capabilities of the new power units. Drivers may face difficulties with corner-entry lock-ups under heavy braking, similar to issues observed during pre-season testing in Bahrain, which features comparable braking zones.

A key variable for the weekend is the track surface, which was completely resurfaced in August 2024. The new asphalt initially provided higher grip and lower lap times, but its smoothness led to front-axle graining during the 2025 event, particularly in the Sprint race. However, as the surface has had another year to age, grip levels might be slightly reduced, potentially lowering the risk of graining. This will be assessed in early practice sessions. Teams’ simulation data suggests lap times will be closely matched to last year’s, indicating that the performance loss expected from the new car generation may be offset by other factors.

Looking back at the 2025 race, most drivers started on the Medium compound, with only three opting for the Hard. The Soft tyre was unused in the Grand Prix. The winning strategy was a one-stop, featuring a long final stint on the Hard tyre, which proved durable and resistant to graining. The podium finishers made their sole pit stops between laps 14 and 15, with Oscar Piastri taking victory ahead of Lando Norris and George Russell.

The trophy for the pole-sitter features a Soft tyre above a base embedded with a helmet decorated in the colours of the Chinese flag, which will be engraved with the winner’s name and car number. The Chinese Grand Prix returns for its 19th running at this venue, having first appeared on the calendar in 2004. Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes share the record for the most wins here, with six each. Hamilton also holds the record for the most podium finishes, with nine.

To celebrate the event, a special podium cap has been created in imperial yellow, a colour traditionally associated with prestige. It features designs commemorating the Year of the Horse and will be available for purchase on the Pirelli e-commerce platform.

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