Will my dream ever come true? Recent material and technological innovations suggest this… Once this becomes a reality, how industrial tyre factories work? As a brand manufacturer, who could survive and catch up with this ability?

The big brands of the 1970s sold the same sizes of samples made from the same material for 15 to 20 years. Today you need to market a top-quality product every three years.

Any branded manufacturer that is looking to be competitive and doesn’t want to sell a standard product with a low-profit margin needs to own a product of the highest quality that is really good for the customer. Therefore, brand owners should give a clear answer to this dramatic question of whether their product is innovative or revolutionary. When you have a clear answer, your path to success is clear. Even though the product lifecycle will not be as similar as it has been over the past several decades, then marketing can create a product map. Even though it is revolutionary, its popularity in the market will drop to almost zero in three years.

In electronics, for example, the remarkable drift of a new product is six months. Over the next six months, its popularity may decline and lag behind the competition, which means that the product life in electronics is close to a year. So you need to install a new product every year if you have a long-term business vision.

What is the situation like in the tyre industry? Major brands of the 1970s produced the same pattern and sizes from standard materials and compounds for 15-20 years. They used the same mould and equipment during long year product life. Hence, they maximized their profits with limited investments. What is the situation today?

“Smart materials” as a combination of all these will shape the industry in the next decades and we will talk “smarter” and “super smart materials.”

Material science is leading the technology. Lighter, more durable, more dimensionally stable, stronger and flexible materials can be provided for new designs in the industry. Hardware and electronics benefit from these developments. At the same time, better programming with the same hardware configuration leads to a fantastic result. However, when the hardware is limited, amasing software codes won’t work. The new materials, electronics and programming so will lead to revolutionary innovations in the coming years. “Smart materials” as a combination of all these will shape the industry in the next decades and we will talk “smarter” and “super smart materials.”

The humidity-sensitive polymer is, for example, used in dressings to be self-adaptive and regulates moisture balance in and around. If we look at the tyre industry, stimulus sensitive polymers or high-performance functional polymers can change depending on the environment. These are examples of smart materials. Copolymer systems, as they are inherently sensitive to temperature and phase changes occur in microstructures, can be monitored for critical solutions. An example of the “Smart Tyre” concept is “Active Tread” when it is successful.

When the personalised and printed commercial tyre one day becomes a reality, it will be made entirely of the latest technology comprised of many first initials.

The tread area is the most important part for tyres with low rolling resistance, long life and better handling in dry and wet conditions. Imagine, all of these main criteria are intelligently and comprehensively optimised based on the ‘Sensing Core’ unit, which is intelligent networking with the main vehicle control unit and collects all driving data from sensors, including from tyres and wheels. So that the smart polymers of the active treads are simultaneously stimulated by the road conditions, and you have a safe trip when we control all the dynamics of the vehicle. At the same time, optimal energy results are obtained.

Green low carbon energies and green materials like biomaterials will be highly valued in the future. Recycling of rubber, especially from tyres, will be strongly encouraged. Nowadays, tyre recycling technologies are intensively developed. Rather than just being a filler, its use as a primary polymerization element is the next target. Non-petroleum synthetic rubber derivatives, carbon nano cellulosic hybrid solutions, applications of carbon nanotubes and graphene are already underway. Thermo Plastic Elastomers for non-pneumatic applications gains more strength, flexibility and resistance to high temperatures.

When the personalised and printed commercial tyre one day becomes a reality, This will surely be the most ecological solution.

The next decades will be the time zone for electric vehicles. Tyres, as part of a vehicle, are influenced and powered by this industry. Whatever invention is going on in the automotive industry, it is about automated and smarter parts made from environmentally friendly and primarily recycled and energy-efficient materials. OEMs, for most electric vehicles, will or will be required to give preference to these tyres.

Airless tyres are already in the market for very special applications. When the personalised and printed commercial tyre one day becomes a reality, it will be made entirely of the latest technology comprised of many first initials. If the tread profile part becomes interchangeable, it offers simple and diverse applications and meets OEM requirements. This will surely be the most ecological solution, and it will inevitably or happily be installed under electric vehicles.

There are no limits to advanced technologies. The tyre industry is open to many multidisciplinary collaborations.

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Birla Tyres has officially joined the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), becoming the newest member of the leading industry body. The company, with its registered office in Kolkata, operates a large-scale manufacturing facility in Balasore, Odisha, which spans 195 acres and is dedicated to producing a diverse range of speciality tyres.

Based in New Delhi, ATMA represents major tyre manufacturers that account for more than 80 percent of domestic production. The association serves as a vital link between the government and the industry while also engaging with media, opinion leaders and international trade bodies to advocate for the sector’s perspectives.

ATMA actively participates in policy formulation and regularly consults with government departments on economic challenges affecting the industry. Its existing membership includes prominent firms such as MRF Tyres, JK Tyre & Industries, CEAT Ltd and Bridgestone India, the local subsidiary of the Japanese tyre giant.

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Bridgestone has reported a significant shift in UK consumer sentiment regarding electric vehicles, with new data indicating a sharp rise in drivers who reject the technology. The tyre manufacturer's survey reveals that 26 percent of motorists now declare they will never purchase an EV, up from 17 percent in 2025, while only 16 percent plan to acquire one within the coming year.

Persistent operational anxieties continue to overshadow the market. Battery durability and replacement costs trouble 55 percent of respondents, half worry about charging expenses and 44 percent express unease over range limitations and high sticker prices.

Infrastructure inadequacies further compound hesitancy, as 43 percent feel public charging stations remain insufficient and 41 percent are deterred by prolonged recharging times. Despite these barriers, 53 percent anticipate purchasing an EV within five years, while seven percent remain undecided.

Bridgestone is reinforcing its commitment through 'EV Ready' tyres like the Turanza 6, engineered for efficiency, safety and wear life across electric and combustion vehicles. These innovations align with the company's E8 Commitment and Ecology pillar, advancing sustainable tyre technologies and mobility solutions.

Drew Chapman, North Region Consumer Sales Director at Bridgestone, said, "Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly familiar sight on our roads, but our research shows that many drivers still have genuine questions and concerns about making the switch. While some of the barriers are gradually reducing, issues such as battery life, charging costs and infrastructure remain front of mind for many motorists. The industry has made significant progress, but it's clear there is still work to do in building confidence among consumers.

"Whether drivers are behind the wheel of an EV, hybrid or conventional vehicle, they want products they can trust. Our focus is on helping motorists get the very best from their vehicles today while supporting the mobility solutions of tomorrow."

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has secured its place in three major global ESG stock indexes, marking over two decades of sustained recognition in sustainable investing. The company’s inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index Series now extends to 22 consecutive years, while its presence in the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index has reached a 10th year and the Sector Relative Index a 5th year.

Developed and administered by FTSE Russell, a London Stock Exchange Group subsidiary, these benchmarks serve distinct investment purposes. The FTSE4Good Series is widely utilised by international investors as a reference for responsible portfolios. Meanwhile, the two Japan-specific indexes, designed to highlight domestic firms with exemplary ESG performance, have been adopted by the Government Pension Investment Fund to steer its own sustainable asset allocation.

Under the corporate sustainability motto of caring for the future, Yokohama Rubber continues to integrate social problem-solving into core business operations, thereby generating shared value. This longstanding index qualification reflects the firm’s consistent commitment to transparent governance, environmental stewardship and social responsibility, reinforcing its strategic focus on long-term value creation through ethical business conduct.

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has launched the Apollo Altrust Winter van tyre, a new addition to its commercial vehicle lineup engineered to deliver extended durability alongside reliable snow and wet-weather traction. Scheduled for European release in July 2026, this winter variant finalises the Altrust family, which already includes the popular summer and all-season iterations.

Developed entirely within Europe, the tyre achieves a top wet grip classification of ‘A’ and a noise rating of ‘B’ at 72 decibels. Offered in 15 size options across 15- to 17-inch rim diameters, the Altrust Winter is designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of vans and light commercial vehicles, including contemporary models such as the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter and IVECO Daily.

Superior handling on snow, ice and rain-soaked roads stems from several engineering innovations. A multi-pitch tread pattern optimises block sizing and spacing for consistent performance, while three-dimensional sipes enhance road biting capability. Additionally, the centre and shoulder lateral grooves have been strategically configured for swift water dispersal, which bolsters wet grip and lessens aquaplaning risks.

For fleet operators, longevity and reduced wear are critical to lowering total cost of ownership. Apollo’s research division formulated a compound with a balanced polymer-and-filler mix to boost abrasion resistance and curb material degradation. Reinforced shoulder tie-bars preserve a stable contact patch under heavy use, promoting even tread wear and sustaining all-weather effectiveness over the tyre’s lifespan. Noise management was also prioritised, with careful tuning of pitch sequences and shoulder block bridges to minimise acoustic output.

Udyan Ghai, Group Head – Marketing, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Our research and development team in Enschede, The Netherlands, spent over two years exploring the needs of van owners and users, creating a winter van tyre that delivers an optimal balance of performance and value. They focused on those attributes that matter most to fleet operators and van drivers: safety, durability and low operating costs. We know that wet-weather performance is becoming increasingly important for operators across Europe, so we are particularly pleased to see the tyre secure an A rating for wet grip.”

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