Michelin throws its weight behind the new European Union regulation R117-04, which mandates performance testing for worn car tyres. Effective 1 July 2024, the rule aims to enhance road safety, environmental benefits, and cost savings for European motorists.
Transparency in worn-tyre performance
Michelin emphasises the importance of consumer awareness regarding worn tyre performance. The company highlights the safety risks of tyre degradation, particularly in wet conditions. The regulation introduces a rigorous testing regime to ensure safe braking even at the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimetres.
Stringent wet braking test
The wet braking test, adopted by EU authorities, assesses a vehicle’s deceleration from 50 to 12 miles per hour on a standard wet surface. It incorporates factors like road grip and ambient temperature, replicating real-world driving scenarios. This approach builds upon existing wet braking standards for new tyres.
Michelin’s commitment to user safety is evident in its tyre design philosophy, which prioritises performance throughout the tyre’s lifespan. Its research demonstrates that a worn Michelin tyre, engineered for sustained performance, can brake up to 3.4 metres shorter on wet surfaces compared to a new competitor tyre. This translates to a crucial car length in an emergency braking situation.
Michelin’s significant investment in R&D, with €1.2 billion annually, allows its 6,000 researchers to develop innovative tyre architectures, tread patterns, and advanced composite materials. These design choices ensure optimal safety, particularly during wet braking, regardless of tyre wear.
Environmental and cost-saving benefits
Michelin research suggests that 50 percent of European tyres are replaced before reaching a 3-millimetre tread depth. The new regulation is expected to reduce European tyre demand by an estimated 128 million units per year, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions of approximately 6.6 million metric tons. Extrapolated globally, extending the tyre lifespan could prevent the premature removal of 400 million tyres annually, saving 35 million metric tonnes of CO2, equivalent to New York City’s six-month emissions.
Furthermore, the French tyre company said consumers would benefit from extended tyre life, which could translate to potential annual savings of nearly €7 billion for European motorists.
Rubber Board Announces 2025 Subsidy Scheme
- By TT News
- August 22, 2025
In a move to promote rubber cultivation, the Rubber Board of India has announced a new financial aid scheme for 2025. Growers in non-traditional regions are now eligible to apply for subsidies supporting both new planting and re-planting initiatives. The application process is exclusively online through the ‘service plus’ portal on the Board’s official website, with a submission deadline of 31 October 2025.
To complete their application, growers must provide digital copies of essential documents. These include land ownership certificates, a rough sketch of the planted area, a copy of their Aadhaar-linked bank passbook and proof of purchasing planting materials from recognised nurseries. Successful applicants will receive financial assistance of INR 50,000 per hectare. For additional information, growers are advised to consult the Rubber Board’s website or contact their nearest regional office, field station, or the Board’s call centre.
Global Tire Recycling Market to Hit USD 8.9 Bln by 2029 on Sustainability Push – MarketsandMarkets
- By TT News
- August 22, 2025
The global tyre recycling market is forecast to grow to USD 8.92 billion by 2029 from USD 7.44 billion in 2024, driven by mounting volumes of end-of-life tyres (ELTs), tighter environmental regulations and rising demand for sustainable materials, according to research firm MarketsandMarkets.
The market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7 percent over the period, the report said.
According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, one passenger tyre per person is discarded annually in the developed world, contributing to about 1 billion ELTs globally each year. A 2022 study in ScienceDirect estimated some 4 billion ELTs are already stockpiled worldwide, a figure expected to reach 5 billion by 2030.
“The mass piling of 1 billion ELTs per year to be expected to reach 5 billion by 2030 calls for an ever-increasing process of recycling tyes in a more sustainable means of waste management,” the report noted.
MarketsandMarkets said demand is being spurred by both environmental concerns and industry adoption of new recycling technologies aimed at reducing landfill volumes while maximising material reuse.
Rubber is set to remain the most dominant recycled by-product, with applications in crumb rubber, rubberised asphalt, playground surfaces and sports fields. Mechanical shredding, described as the most cost-effective and scalable method, will continue to lead recycling processes due to its wide applicability in construction, energy and automotive sectors.
Construction is expected to be the largest end-use industry, as recycled materials such as crumb rubber are increasingly used in road building and green infrastructure projects.
Asia-Pacific is projected to remain the biggest consumer of recycled tye products during the forecast period.
Key players in the sector include Liberty Tye Recycling (US), GENAN HOLDING A/S (Denmark), ResourceCo (Australia), GRP Ltd (India), Lehigh Technologies (US), Entech Inc (US), Emanuel Tye (US), BDS Tye Recycling (US), Contec (Poland) and CRM (US).
Global TPMS Market to Edge Up to 71.4 Mln Units by 2030 – Research and Markets
- By TT News
- August 22, 2025
The global market for Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) is projected to grow modestly over the next five years, with volumes rising from an estimated 68.9 million units in 2025 to 71.4 million units by 2030, according to a report published.
The “Sector Innovation Report: Tyres and Wheels Q2 2025”, released by Research and Markets, forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.7 percent for the TPMS market.
The study synthesises data from multiple sources and provides an overview of the tyres and wheels sector, highlighting recent developments, patent activity, job trends and regional growth prospects.
The report identifies opportunities for auto manufacturers and suppliers to refine sales and marketing strategies, noting growing demand for detailed, region-specific data.
Key sections include an analysis of patent filings by region and country, sector forecasts across five geographies – Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, North America and South America – as well as profiles of leading component suppliers.
The report also tracks job listings and advertising activity in the sector, broken down by geography, occupational category and level of seniority.
Companies covered in the report include Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and Hankook.
Wisconsin Truck Driver Wins 41st Goodyear Highway Hero Award
- By TT News
- August 22, 2025
Truck driver Adam Medley of Omro, Wisconsin, has been named the winner of the 41st Goodyear Highway Hero Award. The professional driver for J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. was recognised for a courageous act performed on 28 July 2024 while driving on County Rd A in Green Lake, WI.
While navigating a familiar route, Medley initially steered to avoid what he assumed was road debris. As he drew closer, he realised a person was lying directly in the roadway. Medley promptly and safely pulled over, rushed to assist the individual and moved them to safety before contacting the police.
Established in 1983, the Goodyear Highway Hero Award honours commercial drivers in the U.S. and Canada who perform extraordinary acts of courage. Winners are selected by an independent panel of industry judges from nominations submitted each year. As this year’s honouree, Medley will receive a cash prize and a commemorative ride on the Goodyear blimp.
Goodyear presents the award to acknowledge the vital role of the commercial trucking industry. The program’s stories of heroism inspire the company to continuously enhance its commercial tire products and support services, like its Fleet HQ network, to ensure drivers have reliable assistance on the road.
Nick Hobbs, Chief Operating Officer at J.B. Hunt, said, "In a moment where every second counted, Adam put the safety and well-being of others first. His actions exemplified integrity and selflessness, and we are excited that Goodyear has recognised him with this year's Highway Hero Award."
Joe Burke, Vice President, Goodyear North America Commercial, said, "Adam's story continues to remind us that professional truck drivers are the unsung heroes of our roads. His quick and professional response to this unexpected situation demonstrates the integrity, dedication and compassion that define what's the best of our industry."
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