How do you view the changes happening in tyre retailing, the way it goes more and more digital?

This is the inevitable outcome of the internet and the ease it provides for researching tyre types, performance attributes, pricing and communicating with a tyre store. The Covid-19 pandemic has fast-forwarded consumer use and acceptance of online purchasing and communication with retailers, in general, so I think this will occur with tyre retailing. In the U.S., it is estimated that traditional brick-and-mortar retailers are seeing more than 15% of tyre revenues coming from online sales. This is likely to grow, although the majority of replacement tyres likely will continue to be sold and serviced in the more traditional manner of customers interacting with the tyre store directly. Tyre retailers will have to offer both online and in-store operations to be able to service all tyre customers. 

How do you see retailing strategies changing in the changing business environment? 

I think convenience will be the buzzword going forward. Thanks to the growth of general online sales, consumers are becoming accustomed to purchasing products and services via the Internet and having products delivered directly to their homes. This also applies to tyre sales and service. Tyre dealers will need to have an effective website that includes information on various tyres and brands, tyre pricing and the ability to make an appointment. Tyre consumers also will come to expect periodic updates via texts as their vehicles are being serviced. Customers choosing to sit in the waiting room while new tyres are installed or serviced will want to be able to connect to the shop’s Wi-Fi to do work or surf the Internet. The waiting room will need to be clean and inviting. In addition, there likely will be growth in mobile tyre retailing and service, where the tyre shop comes to customer, either at home or work. Why? For convenience.

How is TIA involved in this sector as an industry organisation?

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) serves the tyre retailing sector primarily in two ways. It offers certified tyre service training to tyre technicians and serves as a watchdog for tyre dealers concerning local, state and federal legislation that could negatively impact their businesses. Safety is the watchword when it comes to training, both for the technician as well as the vehicle owner. Over the past two decades, TIA has trained more than 200,000 tyre technicians worldwide on the proper ways to mount, demount and service all types of tyres. Through this, TIA training has helped raise the professionalism of the tyre service operation by teaching technicians the proper ways to service tyres. This in turn has helped make the driving public safer.

Through its Government Affairs efforts, TIA focuses on representing the interests of tyre retailers and the tyre industry in tyre-related legislative issues that could negatively impact the industry and the driving public. Each year, the association monitors scores of proposed bills and legislation and weighs in to fight for the best interests of the industry and tyre retailers.

The association also offers various member benefits that help tyre dealers reduce costs and better run their businesses. 

What is your take on online retailing? What are its advantages as well as disadvantages?

Online retailing is here to stay and will continue to grow. The advantages are obvious. It allows tyre customers to make tyre service appointments any time day or night, to research products, do comparison shopping all without leaving their own home. There is a lot of upside to online retailing. The tyre dealer gains from online retailing because it generates business in a sense automatically and helps in tracking sales and inventory. But there are downsides, as well.

Today, many tyre makers have begun selling tyres direct to consumers via the Internet, bypassing the dealers and using them only as installers. This has upset many dealers, as they lose out on the tyre sale and only generate revenue via the installation charge. Thus, it is crucial for tyre dealers to have their own online tyre operation, in addition to their brick-and-mortar stores, so when consumers are searching the Internet to purchase a tyre, the tyre dealership can not only make the tyre sale online but also schedule the installation. In addition, savvy dealers will use the opportunity to turn that installation customer into their own tyre and service customer in the future. 

Another downside to online retailing is it is more difficult for dealers to build a personal relationship with the customer. One of the strengths of the independent tyre shop is the development of personal relationships and trust with customers. This customer loyalty has served tyre dealers well for over 100 years and kept the independent tyre dealer as the No. 1 channel for the purchase of replacement tyres in the U.S. I don’t see that changing dramatically. Tyres are a major purchase for most consumers and most vehicle owners don’t understand these products. They rely on their trusted independent tyre dealer to guide them in selecting the right tyre at the right price. Online retailing makes developing and retaining that personal relationship more difficult, but I expect the entrepreneurial spirit of tyre dealers to find a way to overcome this issue. 

What is your take on tyre manufacturers doing their own retailing? 

There is nothing wrong with tyre manufacturers operating their own retail tyre store chains. Many do, although this does put them into a competitive situation with their own independent tyre dealer customers. Independent tyre retailers are used to various types of competitors, from tyre company stores, to auto dealerships, to mass merchandisers, to auto service shops and oil change outfits that sell tyres. Now they are contending with online tyre sellers. Historically, independent tyre stores have overcome their competitors through their deep knowledge of the tyre business, their business savvy, their close relationships with customers and ability to evolve and make decisions quickly. I don’t see this changing, even with the growth in online tyre retailing. (TT)

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Dunlop Motorcycle Europe is celebrating a successful conclusion to the 2026 Campeonato de España de Superbike (ESBK) campaign, with five of its equipped riders securing titles at the Sunday finale at Circuito de Jerez Ángel Nieto. The brand claimed five of the series' eight championships, four of them in open-tyre competition classes, after a tightly contested season spanning Spain and Portugal.

The ESBK's open-tyre rules in several classes give Dunlop a direct benchmark against competing manufacturers. The company backed riders throughout the year in Superbike, Supersport, Supersport 300, Superstock 600, Superstock 1000 and Pre-Talent. Four of those classes allow any tyre brand, while Dunlop is the sole supplier for Supersport 300 and Pre-Talent.

The Superbike, Superstock 600 and Pre-Talent crowns all remained undecided going into Jerez. Honda Laglisse's Javier Palomera clinched Superbike ahead of Dunlop-backed Ivo Lopes of BMW Easyrace Team, runner-up in the open-tyre class; the same squad also took Superstock 1000 through Mauro González. José Luis Armario won the last Superstock 600 race of the year, and in Supersport, Team Speed Racing's Marcos Ludeña placed second with Team Honda Laglisse's Yeray Ruiz third, giving Dunlop two of three open-tyre podium slots. In the Dunlop-only classes, Marc Vich took Supersport 300 and the Kawasaki Ninja Spirit Trophy, while Marcos Vinagre won Pre-Talent at Jerez, leading an all-Dunlop podium alongside Javier Vigueras and Jose Luis Cagigas.

Dunlop's ESBK programme uses its KR racing slick line, covering both development and catalogue specifications, with wet tyres also available. Data from real race weekends helps the brand validate new products before they reach other championships and track-day use. Dunlop's racing footprint also takes in the Campionato Italiano Velocità, which produced six more Dunlop champions in 2026, and the FIM Endurance World Championship, where a fresh multi-year deal makes Dunlop the sole supplier to the Superstock and Production Trophy classes.

Roberto Finetti, Marketing Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, said, “It's great to see Dunlop-equipped riders achieve such strong results in the 2026 ESBK season, with championship titles secured across multiple categories and two all-Dunlop podiums in Supersport 300 and Pre-Talent. We're incredibly proud of what our riders and teams have achieved this season and of the role Dunlop has played in their success. These results are a testament to their dedication and hard work throughout the year. Congratulations to all the newly crowned champions.”

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Tegeta Green Planet, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organised an information and practical campaign titled ‘Don’t Throw It Away, Hand It In’ in Poti. Held on 29 October at a Tegeta Motors branch, the initiative sought to strengthen environmental responsibility and promote proper management of specific waste streams.

The campaign targeted local residents, vehicle owners, drivers and private sector representatives, encouraging their active involvement in waste management. Attendees learned about the environmental impact of automotive waste and correct disposal methods. A dedicated collection point at the branch allowed residents to hand in end-of-life tyres, used batteries and waste oils, offering a practical way to contribute to environmental protection through everyday actions.

A significant focus was placed on raising awareness about the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, including the role of EPR organisations, collection and subsequent management of specific waste streams and importers’ legally established obligations. Symbolic gifts encouraged participation. Tegeta Green Planet and UNDP continue to implement regional environmental campaigns and educational initiatives aimed at raising public awareness, fostering responsible waste management and promoting circular economy principles.

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Bridgestone’s Potenza Sport EVO has earned two independent test accolades, strengthening the tyre maker’s standing in the ultra-high-performance segment. The double success spans a victory in What Car?’s summer tyre test and a Recommended award from evo.

In What Car?’s evaluation of 11 summer tyres, the Potenza Sport EVO ranked first. Fitted to a Volvo XC60, it drew praise for predictable handling and secure performance in wet and dry conditions, along with communicative steering suited to a premium performance tyre.

The What Car? results also underscored tyre choice’s safety implications. In wet braking, the Bridgestone stopped 7.3 metres shorter than the Goodride competitor. The publication concluded that the Potenza Sport EVO justified its higher price, highlighting the value of investing in quality tyres.

The evo test delivered further recognition. The Potenza Sport EVO finished second overall but secured the Recommended award and was arguably the standout performer across individual disciplines, taking five first-place finishes. It earned top subjective ratings for polished, effortless behaviour, excelled in wet grip, traction and stability and set the fastest handling-course time, becoming the only tyre to break 51 seconds.

Drew Chapman, Consumer Sales Director, Bridgestone UK, said, "To achieve such outstanding results in two highly respected independent tyre tests is a fantastic endorsement of the Potenza Sport EVO and the engineering that has gone into its development. Winning the What Car? test against 10 other competitors, while also securing evo's Recommended Award and five individual test victories, demonstrates the tyre's exceptional breadth of capability. These results reflect exactly what we set out to achieve with the Potenza Sport EVO; delivering outstanding performance, control and confidence in a wide range of driving conditions. It's hugely rewarding to see that recognised by independent experts."

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Citira, a Sweden-based company specialising in circular tyre management, has expanded its UK commercial service network by acquiring G & S Tyres Ltd, a move that also brings a modern retreading facility in the London metropolitan area into the group. The deal advances Citira's push towards a national UK footprint, building on its recent purchase of Redpath Tyres in Scotland and its entry into UK market earlier this year via Tyrefix Group.

G&S's local knowledge, solid reputation and retreading strengths align closely with Citira's circular tyre management model, which covers retreading, rim refurbishment and fleet logistics and is already well established across the Nordics and Poland. The East London site is strategically positioned and employs around 45 people.

A two-generation family firm with more than four decades of service to UK customers, G&S will keep trading under its own name with its existing team. Gary, James and Billy Short will stay involved in the business and take shareholdings in the Citira Group.

Oliver Johnson, Head of UK at Citira, said, “G&S Tyres has earned a strong reputation across the UK through its reliability, service quality and close relationships with the fleets and customers it supports. That reputation provides an excellent foundation for the next stage of growth. Following our acquisition of Redpath Tyres in Scotland, G&S is a further step in our ambition to build a national commercial tyre service network with the best people and businesses in the UK.”

Gary Short, speaking on behalf of the Short family, said, “We are very happy to join a group whose ambitions for the UK align so well with our own. Citira is a great home for G&S and gives us the right platform to support the next generation, spearheaded by James and Billy, as they continue to grow and improve the business.”

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