Michelin retained its title as the world’s most valuable tyre brand despite a 9% decrease in brand value to US$7.2 billion, according to the latest report by Brand Finance.

Brand Finance, the world’s leading independent brand valuation and strategy consultancy.

This year, The French tyre company topped the chart with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 86.30 out of 100 and a rating of AAA. Michelin is the only brand in the ranking to score a AAA rating and its BSI is well clear of second ranked Bridgestone, with a BSI of 78.10 out of 100.

According to Brand Finance, over the last year, the tyre sector has suffered significantly, reflected in the rankings with seven out of ten tyre brands losing in brand value, notably: Continental (brand value down 28% to US$3.4 billion), Goodyear (down 10% to US$1.9 billion) and Hankook (down 8% to US$1.5 billion) thanks to market uncertainties and a drastic change in customer demands.

A plunge in Chinese car sales and growing preference for retreading tyres over brand new purchase have dented the industry’s margins. The imposing threat of American restrictions on foreign import competitors is also a matter of concern, as the industry prepares itself for President Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs.

Alex Haigh, Director, Brand Finance commented: “Brands in the replacement auto-parts industry - from tire component makers to local garages - are bracing themselves for President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported Chinese materials and goods. Hefty levies have already amplified the costs of steel and aluminium products, and more tariffs could affect a whole range of other items these companies develop and sell. The bulk of this will be felt in the year ahead by those dealing in tires, rear-view mirrors and windshield wipers.”

Only two brands, Italy’s Pirelli and Japan’s Sumitomo reported an increase in brand value, up 6% to US$1.6 billion and up 33% to US$801 million respectively.

Pirelli and Sumitomo’s strong performances are driven by their commitment to diversification and efforts to differentiate their brands from competitors. Sumitomo has significantly increased its sales revenue over the last year, reporting a 16% rise, which has been boosted by the acquisition of UK-based wholesaler Micheldever Tyre Services Ltd, in a further boost to its European offering. Sumitomo has also been working with Dunlop (brand value up 1% to US$2.0billion) to open a new European Development Centre focused on product innovation and tire development.

Milan-headquartered Pirelli has positioned itself as a premium and powerful brand, renowned for its partnership with the Formula One World Championships to sponsoring wider sporting events including football, baseball and sailing. This strategic diversification combined with its strong Italian heritage has resulted in the successful differentiation from its competitors, and thus a boost in brand value.

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Pirelli has introduced the Scorpion All Season SF3, a new all-season tyre specifically engineered for SUVs, building upon the award-winning technology of the Cinturato All Season SF3 while tailoring performance to the demands of larger, heavier vehicles.

Designed for safety and versatility across diverse weather conditions, the tyre has already earned top ratings in independent Dekra tests, excelling in cumulative braking performance. It carries an ‘A’ rating for wet grip on the European tyre label and meets the 3PMSF standard for certified snow traction. Additionally, the Scorpion All Season SF3 prioritises driving comfort, with a ‘B’ rating for external noise and class A/B efficiency in rolling resistance, ensuring long-lasting performance and lower emissions. The compound is engineered for stiffness and high-temperature stability, while new polymer blends and natural-origin resins enhance cold-weather grip without sacrificing wet traction. Pirelli leveraged AI-driven Virtual Compounder technology to refine the material composition, alongside 3D modelling to synchronise tread and compound design for optimal performance.

To enhance SUV handling, Pirelli incorporated reinforced tread blocks with a progressive entry geometry, which gradually increases the contact patch with the road. This design minimises pressure peaks, reducing vibrations and noise while improving stability and grip – particularly beneficial for heavier vehicles. The tread also features an adaptive structure with 3D sipes that evolve from straight lines to a zigzag pattern as the tyre wears, maintaining snow traction even with reduced tread depth. These sipes dynamically adjust under pressure, shifting between a winter-optimised and summer-friendly profile for balanced year-round performance.

The Scorpion All Season SF3 expands Pirelli’s all-season lineup, catering to the rising demand for versatile tyres. Available in 17- to 21-inch sizes, select models include Elect technology for compatibility with electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as the Pirelli Noise Cancelling System (PNCS) to reduce road noise.

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Bridgestone Corporation has agreed to transfer 66.6 percent shares of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bridgestone Logistics Co., LTD, to SBS Holdings, Inc. This move aligns with Bridgestone’s strategy to strengthen its global business by adapting to dynamic market conditions and building a foundation for sustainable growth. In Japan, the company is restructuring operations to enhance productivity and innovation across its value chain, from tire development to logistics and sales. The share transfer is part of these broader efforts to optimise business performance.

The Japanese logistics sector is experiencing major shifts due to carbon neutrality goals, sustainable supply chain demands and labour shortages. SBS Holdings, a key player in the industry, sees these challenges as growth opportunities and is implementing forward-looking strategies. By integrating Bridgestone Logistics into its operations, SBS Holdings aims to bolster the subsidiary’s business and management capabilities, positioning it for future expansion.

Bridgestone Logistics has been advancing sustainable logistics through digital solutions, including next-generation delivery systems, collaborative logistics to improve efficiency and modal shifts toward eco-friendly transport. These initiatives will support SBS Holdings’ mission to ensure safe, secure and sustainable logistics operations. Additionally, SBS Holdings’ adoption of electric vehicles, logistics technology and IT-driven systems will further enhance efficiency. The collaboration will unlock synergies by leveraging SBS Holdings’ expertise, network and resources, enabling Bridgestone Logistics to explore new business opportunities beyond the Bridgestone Group and create greater social and customer value. Moreover, by aligning with SBS Holdings’ workforce development strategies, Bridgestone Logistics will foster talent growth and organisational innovation.

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The European Commission’s Industrial Action Plan for the automotive sector included plans to publish Guidance on in-vehicle data alongside the implementation of the Data Act. In response, the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA), alongside other automotive industry groups, has developed an Automotive Sector Interpretation Guide of the Data Act to foster a common understanding ahead of the regulation’s application. This joint effort has helped clarify critical definitions and regulatory interfaces while also incorporating essential tyre-specific considerations – a step ETRMA strongly supports.

Despite this progress, the Data Act’s objectives may fall short without additional measures. Key solutions – such as human-machine interface (HMI) access for user consent and digital ID federation to enable secure, efficient data sharing within a unified European data space – require further exploration under sector-specific regulation. ETRMA remains dedicated to ensuring the Data Act’s implementation promotes fair, non-discriminatory access to in-vehicle data. The association will continue pushing for enforceable rules that guarantee real-time, secure and efficient access to relevant data, safeguarding innovation and competitiveness in the automotive and tyre industries.

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Bridgestone India, a key subsidiary of the global Bridgestone Group and a leader in tyres and mobility solutions, has expanded its premium retail network with the launch of Bridgestone Select Store – M/s Nashik Tyres and Services. The store was inaugurated by Rajarshi Moitra from Bridgestone India, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering innovative, customer-centric tyre retail experiences across the country.

Strategically located in Nashik, the store features modern infrastructure and a premium service setup, positioning it as a one-stop destination for tyres and related services in the region. Recognising that tyres are the sole contact point between a vehicle and the road, Bridgestone emphasises safety, performance and driving confidence through its Select stores. These outlets not only help customers choose the right tyres but also enhance their ownership experience with expert guidance and high-quality services.

With over 900 Select stores nationwide, Bridgestone India has established a premium retail network that goes beyond tyre sales to offer a superior, service-driven experience. The expansion of M/s Nashik Tyres and Services further strengthens Bridgestone’s mission to bring world-class tyre solutions closer to customers, reinforcing its pan-India presence with a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.

Moitra said, “At Bridgestone India, we are committed to redefining the tyre buying experience through our Select stores. As we continue to expand our footprint and enhance manufacturing capabilities our goal is to provide premium products, services and customer experience.”

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