What’s the biggest breakthrough in the tyre industry?

Dealing With Pandemic- A Challenge For Corporate Security

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.

Smithers Earns ISO 17025 Accreditation For Texas Proving Ground

Smithers Earns ISO 17025 Accreditation For Texas Proving Ground

Smithers, a renowned provider of testing, consulting, information and compliance services, has announced that its proving ground at Treadwell Research Park in Pearsall, Texas, has achieved ISO 17025 accreditation.

Operated on behalf of Discount Tyre, the facility’s accredited scope currently covers wet grip testing and tyre buffing, with plans to expand accreditation to include rolling resistance and pass-by-noise testing. The site boasts diverse paved and off-road test surfaces for comprehensive tyre performance validation. Additionally, it complies with UNECE Regulation No. 117 for Wet Grip and Pass-by Noise standards. This accreditation underscores Smithers' commitment to delivering high-quality testing services in the tyre industry.

Sean Connolly, Director of Test Track Operations at Smithers Winter Test Centre/Pearsall Test Track, said, “The tyre industry is currently focused on a variety of sustainability initiatives, such as reducing the rate of tread wear to extend the life of the tyre. Understanding tyre performance at varying levels of tread wear is critical for tyre manufacturers looking to get the most out of their designs.”

Jim Popio, PhD, Vice President, Smithers Materials Science and Engineering Division, North America, said, “We’re incredibly proud that our existing processes and procedures meet the rigorous requirements of ISO 17025 accreditation. Accurate data, on time, is central of the Smithers promise on a global scale, and we strive to go above and beyond our clients’ expectations with exceptional service as well.”

Michelin Launches Maiden Experience Store In Nashik, It’s Biggest Facility In India

Michelin Experience Store

Michelin, a leading tyre technology company, has launched its first Michelin Experience Store in India, in partnership with Bharat Tyres. The facility spread across 25,000 sqft is located in Adgaon on the Mumbai-Agra highway, Nashik and is Michelin’s largest store in the country.

It is designed not only to provide a premium experience, but also showcases the company’s global legacy through the Michelin Wall. Customers will also be to experience the Heritage Wall that visualise the heritage of both Michelin and its local dealership partner.

The Michelin Experience Store also has a Display Zone that showcases Michelin’s innovations in electric mobility, materials science and environmental responsibility.

The dealership also includes service areas for cars and trucks, PPF coating, precision wheel alignment, advanced balancing services, innovative puncture repair solutions, professional car detailing and a wide array of car accessories. 

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “We are proud to unveil Michelin’s first Experience Centre in India. The sole purpose of this store is to go beyond traditional tyre retail and provide customers an immersive experience of the brand, of our dealer partners and of the technological prowess of our tyre solutions that are safe and sustainable. Nashik, a key hub with growing premium vehicle ownership, is the first of many such centres that will further strengthen our footprint in the western region while providing state-of-the-art experience and services to evolving customers.”

Finnish Olympic Champion Sami Jauhojärvi Is Radar Tyres’ Official Brand Ambassador

Finnish Olympic Champion Sami Jauhojärvi Is Radar Tyres’ Official Brand Ambassador

Radar Tyres, the flagship brand of Omni United, has appointed Sami Jauhojärvi, Olympic gold medallist and one of Finland’s most celebrated cross-country skiers, as its official brand ambassador.

Jauhojärvi's sporting excellence – built on resilience, performance and a profound connection with nature – mirrors Radar Tyres' commitment to delivering premium-quality tyres across all seasons and terrains at accessible prices. The brand's comprehensive range includes Summer, All Season, Winter and specialist Ice tyres, designed to meet diverse driving needs with reliable performance.

This collaboration represents a strategic alignment as Radar Tyres expands its European and UK presence. Jauhojärvi will serve as brand ambassador, featuring in marketing campaigns, digital initiatives and local events while sharing his expertise to support Radar Tyres' mission of making high-performance tyres available to all drivers.

G S Sareen, Founder and CEO of Omni United, said, “We’re excited to welcome Sami to the Radar family. Sami’s authenticity, credibility and strong connection with his audience make him an ideal partner for us. He embodies the spirit of perseverance and performance – the same qualities we build into every Radar tyre. As we continue to grow our brand across Europe, partnerships like this play a key role in building deeper connections with consumers. We’re excited to build on this momentum with more such collaborations in the near future.”

Jauhojärvi said, “I am thrilled to represent Radar Tyres, a brand that has a remarkable mission to make premium quality and performance accessible to all and also has deep-rooted values of giving back to society via various initiatives it has undertaken over the years such as supporting breast cancer research. I’m sincerely surprised about the performance and silence of my Radar Tyres and happy to deliver this feedback to all the people.”

Kenda Tires Celebrates Dan Vanden Heuvel's Hall Of Fame Nomination

Kenda Tires is celebrating Dan ‘The Flying Dutchman’ Vanden Heuvel's nomination to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame's Class of 2025, recognising his legendary 49-year career as both a champion racer and community leader.

Since entering his first race at age 15 in 1977 at Crandon International Raceway, Vanden Heuvel has become one of off-road racing's most respected figures. His aggressive driving style earned him 20+ Pro-Class wins, five Crandon World Championships and a PRO-2 title. As owner of Flying Dutchman Racing, he mentored numerous drivers including his son Mikey, who secured Kenda Tires' historic first PRO-2 victory.

Beyond competition, Vanden Heuvel's greatest impact comes from his tireless community work. He co-founded the Midwest Off-Road Racing Association, created the Short Course Kart Series for young racers and established the MORR Injured Driver Fund with his wife Nancy. His hands-on approach – from building tracks to mentoring drivers – has shaped generations of off-road enthusiasts.

Now as Kenda Tires' Product Display Manager, Vanden Heuvel continues supporting the sport, assisting drivers across multiple series while representing Kenda at events nationwide. His dedication embodies the brand's values of community and passion for motorsports.

The formal induction ceremony will be held on 2 November 2025 in Las Vegas. This honour celebrates not just Vanden Heuvel's remarkable racing achievements but his enduring legacy as an ambassador who has profoundly influenced off-road culture.

Brandon Stotsenburg, VP of Automotive Division, Kenda Tires USA, said, “Dan is more than a legend – he is a mentor, a servant-leader and the beating heart of the off-road community. He helped deliver Kenda’s first PRO championship and still shows up for others every single weekend. We are honoured to have him represent Kenda and even more proud to call him family.”