South Korean start-up is transforming tyre safety by delivering real-time data insights that go beyond traditional TPMS, monitoring tyre pressure, temperature, wear and alignment. Targeted at fleet operators and manufacturers, BANF’s system improves vehicle safety, reduces costs and supports sustainability. With global partnerships including Volvo and Hyundai, BANF is also exploring market opportunities in India.

When it comes to vehicle safety and fuel efficiency, the role of tyres has often been underrated. Modern vehicles have undergone significant advancements over the decades, evolving from basic mechanical structures to sophisticated mechatronic and digital systems. However, for most, tyres remain largely unchanged – seemingly confined to the traditional black, rubber look without much technological upgrade.

The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), introduced in 1986 within high-end luxury cars, has yet to achieve global standardisation. Apart from a few countries where it is mandated, TPMS remains a novelty even in modern vehicles.

BANF (Begin a New Future), a South Korean start-up focusing on software and hardware technology to fully digitalise tyre information, is determined to change this. In an exclusive conversation with Tyre Trends, Ron Yoogun Lee, VP of Global Business Development at BANF, explains the company’s purpose:

“BANF was founded to address this critical need by integrating smart sensor technology and data analytics into tyre management. Our mission is to elevate vehicle safety, enhance tyre performance and reduce environmental impact through the digitalisation of tyre data. By providing real-time insights into tyre conditions, BANF empowers fleet operators, manufacturers and drivers to optimise maintenance, lower costs and promote sustainability. This drives us to tackle industry challenges with transformative solutions, pioneering a safer and more connected future for mobility.”

Expanding beyond basic TPMS capabilities

Lee explains that one of the primary limitations of current TPMS is its restricted data scope. Traditional TPMS sensors monitor tyre pressure at low frequencies, transmitting data every few minutes but focusing solely on air pressure.

BANF’s technology, however, gathers a wider range of tyre data, including pressure, temperature, tread wear, wheel alignment and even lug nut stability. This approach goes well beyond air pressure monitoring, providing insights that make tyres ‘smarter.’

Using machine learning, BANF’s system analyses the data to offer valuable insights to drivers and fleet operators regarding not only tyre health but also cargo load measurements and road surface conditions. The data is reportedly up to 90 percent accurate.

Lee details the core of BANF’s solution, which is built on two main components:

Tyre-Mounted Sensor (iSensor): A 3-axis accelerometer-based sensor attached (glued) inside the tyre’s inner liner, the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road.

Smart Profiler (Transmitter): Mounted on the mud flap or wheel arch and connected to the vehicle’s battery, this device wirelessly powers the sensor using magnetic resonance, gathering data on the tyre's internal and external conditions.

“Unlike standard TPMS, our system collects and analyses a comprehensive range of data points, offering real-time insights into tyre health and performance. This includes not only pressure but also factors such as temperature, tread wear and load, providing a more complete picture of the tyre’s condition,” he says.

BANF considers its unique selling point to be its advanced digitalisation and data analytics capabilities. The system empowers fleet managers, manufacturers and drivers to make proactive, data-driven decisions to enhance safety, optimise tyre performance and reduce maintenance costs. This comprehensive approach to tyre monitoring addresses the limitations of traditional TPMS, meeting the rising demand for safer, smarter and more efficient mobility solutions.

Continuous power and data collection

BANF’s technology enables continuous power supply to high-speed rotating tyres using resonant wireless power transmission. This allows the internal sensors to continuously collect data while driving, capturing 3-axis (X, Y, Z) accelerometer data to support advanced algorithm development. Additionally, BANF leverages mathematical modelling expertise to ensure high efficiency and minimal error in resonant wireless power environments.

Despite TPMS technology existing for over four decades, it still lacks widespread adoption. Why is that? Is it due to cost, awareness or maturity of the technology? Lee attributes the slow adoption of basic TPMS to limited consumer awareness and the system’s restricted functionality.

While TPMS provides basic air pressure information, it does not address other crucial aspects of tyre health, such as temperature, tread wear and load. This limited capability diminishes its perceived value, especially among consumers and manufacturers seeking comprehensive solutions.

“However, with the inevitable rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs), the demands on tyres are increasing. EVs, with their heavier batteries and higher torque, place additional stress on tyres, while AVs, designed for continuous operation, further amplify this strain. Traditional tyre monitoring methods, such as visual inspection, are inadequate for autonomous vehicles. As these trends reshape the automotive landscape, the need for advanced tyre monitoring systems that go beyond basic TPMS is growing. This shift will likely increase consumer awareness and drive the adoption of more comprehensive tyre monitoring solutions,” explains Lee.

While BANF may still be relatively unknown, the Korean start-up is already collaborating with major players like CampX by Volvo Group, Hyundai Motor Group, DHL and more than 20 other global organisations.

“Our primary target clients are fleet management companies operating commercial vehicles, particularly in the Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) segment. These clients benefit most from our advanced tyre monitoring solutions due to the significant return on investment (RoI) from optimised tyre usage, enhanced safety and reduced maintenance costs. By providing real-time insights into tyre health, we enable fleet operators to make data-driven decisions that minimise downtime and maximise efficiency. We currently produce 1,000 units monthly and are expanding our manufacturing capabilities,” shares Lee.

Plans for India and tyre safety

India, traditionally a cost-conscious market, has emerged as a major manufacturing hub and one of the fastest adopters of new technologies. In response to a question on BANF’s potential interest in India, Lee reveals:

“We are currently working with several companies in India, including major tyre manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers and last-mile fleet operators. We are supported by KISED, an arm of the Ministry of SMEs of Korea and NIPA, part of the Ministry of Science and ICT. We are actively engaging with stakeholders in the Indian innovation ecosystem and will be visiting India shortly to strengthen partnerships and explore further opportunities.”

Acknowledging India’s cost-sensitive market, Lee adds, “We are considering options for a facility setup worldwide, with India being one of our top choices.”

Road safety remains a priority for both the Indian automotive industry and the world. Despite numerous initiatives and technologies, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that 1.19 million lives are lost in road accidents each year. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years, with 92 percent of fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

Focus areas for tyre industry safety and efficiency

Lee identifies three key areas where the tyre industry can improve safety and efficiency:

1. Advanced Materials: Developing new tyre compounds that enhance durability and reduce rolling resistance can improve safety and energy efficiency. Lightweight, high-strength materials reduce energy loss and extend tyre life, crucial for EVs demanding lower energy consumption for longer range.

2. Intelligent Monitoring Systems: Smart sensors to monitor tyre health in real-time are increasingly essential. By tracking metrics such as pressure, temperature, tread wear and load, intelligent systems can alert drivers or fleet managers to potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach enhances safety and fuel efficiency, as well-maintained tyres contribute to better aerodynamics and lower fuel consumption.

3. Sustainable Manufacturing: Optimising production to minimise environmental impact is crucial. Using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste and recycling tyres contributes to a more sustainable industry, aligning with global trends towards green manufacturing and supporting the energy efficiency goals of the automotive industry.

INTERVIEW: Ron Yoogun Lee

What are the upcoming key trends you see in the tyre industry?

One of the key trends in the tyre industry is the increasing emphasis on safety. As vehicles become more advanced, with a growing number of electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles entering the market, the demands placed on tyres are intensifying. EVs, for instance, have heavier loads and higher torque, which increase wear and tear on tyres, while AVs require consistent, reliable performance to operate safely around the clock. These factors are driving the need for smarter tyre solutions that go beyond traditional monitoring systems.

There is a growing demand for intelligent tyre technologies that provide real-time data on various parameters like pressure, temperature, tread wear and load. Such capabilities allow fleet operators, manufacturers and individual drivers to maintain tyre safety proactively, reduce maintenance costs and ensure optimal performance under diverse conditions. Meeting the advanced requirements of EV and AV clients is crucial, as their vehicles rely on enhanced tyre performance for safety and efficiency. As a result, the industry is moving towards digitalisation and smart sensors to address these evolving needs, marking a significant shift in tyre technology and monitoring.

What is BANF’s business plan (OE supplier), or you will also look at aftermarket opportunities?

BANF’s business plan primarily centres around building strong partnerships with Original Equipment (OE) manufacturers and OE suppliers. Our goal is to enhance tyre safety and efficiency directly at the manufacturing stage, ensuring that end customers benefit from high-quality, intelligent tyre solutions from the outset. Currently, our focus is on the commercial vehicle segment, where we see substantial demand for advanced tyre technology to improve safety, performance and operational efficiency.

That said, we also recognise the significant potential in the aftermarket sector and are actively exploring opportunities to expand into this space. The aftermarket offers us the chance to provide a wider range of products and services directly to end-users. By pursuing both OE partnerships and aftermarket avenues, we aim to deliver innovative tyre solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers across the entire lifecycle of their vehicles.

What are the other products or areas that you would look to focus on?

Looking ahead, we still believe there is a lot can come out from tyre. We are currently developing many other advanced features to be announced soon. In a sense of product portfolio, we are looking into two-wheeler, three-wheeler market and also airplane tyres.

Bridgestone Corporation has announced significant changes to its senior leadership structure, set to take effect on 24 March 2026. The adjustments involve key positions and responsibilities among its Executive Officer and Vice President and Senior Officer ranks.

In a notable shift for its executive leadership, Scott Damon will transition from his current role as Executive Vice President and Executive Officer. In his new capacity, he will serve as Executive Officer and WEST CEO, while also taking on the role of BSAM NA Group President. This represents a change from the responsibilities previously announced in January.

The company also announced changes for two of its Vice President and Senior Officers. Agustin Pedroni is set to become the BSAM LA Group President, moving from his former position overseeing Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations in Latin America. Meanwhile, Craig Schneider has been appointed as the Group President of WEST Services and Retail Operations, in addition to his ongoing duties as WEST CSO (Chief Strategy Officer).

In an era of heavier vehicles, rising torque loads and ever-larger wheel diameters, the tyre-wheel assembly (TWA) has quietly become one of the most critical systems influencing vehicle safety, durability and perceived quality. Yet for most consumers, it remains entirely invisible. According to Luc De Bruyne, OEM tyre-wheel assembly R&D specialist in the Department of Manufacturing and Innovation at Eurofit, that invisibility is precisely why the industry underestimates its importance.

Based in Zaventem, Belgium, the company operates as a high-precision service supplier for tyre–wheel assembly, focused on passenger cars and light trucks in the European market. It runs a network of 16 factories, supported by around 900 employees, and delivers a full set of assembly and logistics services. With an annual capacity of roughly 20 million tyre–wheel assemblies, production is supplied to more than 25 OEM locations across Europe.

From an OEM perspective, De Bruyne argues that tyre-wheel assembly can no longer be treated as a simple fitment task. “Due to the increase of load and power transmission of the cars, a correct seating of the tyre bead is more sensitive. The increased bead tension can result in a damaged tyre during mounting, which isn’t visible at the outside. A damaged bead can result in leakages and low-pressure during driving, which is a high risk of a safety issue during high-speed driving. In other words, what appears externally acceptable may already be compromised internally,” he explains.

This growing complexity is not adequately addressed by existing standards. While ETRTO, ISO, ASTM and JASO regulate individual components, there is no global standard governing the assembled wheel. In practice, this means quality depends heavily on internal OEM processes. As De Bruyne notes, “A TWA assembler must mount the components together with no damages to the product and the lowest level of risk of vibration on the car.” To achieve this, Eurofit and its partners develop internal process references with machine suppliers, such as mountability and integrity tests used to qualify new wheels. When a non-OK status is detected, suppliers are informed, and if no solution is found, components may be replaced entirely.

The business is structured as a longstanding 50:50 joint venture between Michelin and Continental, established in 1996. This partnership combines the technological depth, quality standards and global experience of two of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers. The JV structure underpins strong process discipline, continuous improvement and long-term stability for OEM customers.

The technical challenge intensifies as wheel sizes increase and tyre profiles become lower. Larger diameters bring not only harsher ride characteristics but also tighter tolerances across mounting, uniformity and balancing. De Bruyne outlines a suite of measures now required for high-performance wheels: checking rim run-out and match points to filter supplier deviations; guiding the tyre bead diagonally to reduce mounting forces; matching components to lower total uniformity (TU) levels; optimising bead seat geometry; measuring complete wheel run-out to achieve what he calls the ‘perfect circle’ and correcting balance through final audit controls linked to vehicle sensitivity. The payoff is clear – less vibration of a wheel results in a longer lifetime of the tyres and suspension system of the car.

The contrast between OEM-assembled wheels and typical aftermarket replacements remains stark. In Europe, De Bruyne identifies two aftermarket models. The first involves high-volume industrial assembly of wheel kits – often winter packages – using processes similar to OEM plants. “We recommend to order wheels from such entity to receive an upper grade quality level compared with the garage machine assemblers,” he says. The second model is the small local tyre shop, where limitations are far more pronounced. These workshops often use grade 2 or 3 tyres rather than the grade 1 tyres supplied to OEMs, apply grease-based lubricants forbidden in Tier 1 environments, rely on manual mounting without force control, inflate tyres without proper bead seat techniques and balance wheels on single machines without controlling clamping-device influence. “The manual mounting approach can result in a higher risk of vibration/sound level of the wheels to the car/driver/passenger,” De Bruyne warns. For OEMs, the objective is clear: the first test drive of a new car must feel fundamentally different from that of a used one.

Electrification has further raised the stakes. Higher torque loads and quieter powertrains mean that any wheel-induced vibration is far more noticeable. “Observation of increase of torque load on cars results in increase of tyre bead tension,” De Bruyne explains, along with higher surface roughness requirements on rim bead edges. Assembly processes now demand stricter control of mounting forces and higher-energy inflation using inflator bells. After inflation, micro bead correction is required to ensure full contact and maximise friction. Lubrication, meanwhile, must leave no residual grease, as this could allow bead slip under extreme acceleration or braking.

Eurofit’s position as an industrial service provider rather than a component manufacturer reflects broader shifts in vehicle production. A generation ago, car manufacturers assembled most parts themselves. “Due to the increase of complexity and need of assembling volume and faster cycle time of cars, a lot of key-assembling activities are outsourced,” De Bruyne says. This has freed space within vehicle plants, increased model variants and created demand for specialist know-how. Tier 1 component suppliers now deliver globally to wheel assembly plants located close to OEMs, enabling just-in-time supply with greater flexibility.

Logistics has evolved accordingly. Classic JIT lines are increasingly supplemented – or replaced – by batch production, sequencing centres and high-bay warehouses. De Bruyne describes specialised processes that keep wheels sequenced all the way to the OEM, including racks and trailers with walking-floor systems for direct unloading. Over the past 20 years, the explosion in variants has driven major upgrades in logistics software and product traceability. Such systems require constant monitoring and rapid deviation management to avoid production stoppages at the customer.

Despite all this, wheel assembly remains largely invisible to consumers – at least for now. De Bruyne believes this may change as EVs become dominant. With fewer vibration sources from engines and transmissions, wheel-induced disturbances move ‘on the horizon’, particularly as XL tyres and extreme sizes – up to 25 inches – enter production. Some manufacturers, he notes, are already upgrading assembly specifications in response to negative customer feedback on ride performance.

Replicating OEM-level quality outside factory environments remains difficult. OEM assemblers must meet manufacturer-specific specifications that are neither public nor economically viable for most aftermarket operations. While some garage-machine suppliers now offer optional TU, run-out and matching functions, De Bruyne is blunt: accuracy, repeatability and production speed remain poor, and costs are high. Where large aftermarket organisations adopt industrial processes for volume reasons, conditions may resemble OEMs, but ‘the difference is the respect of process limits’, which are typically broader and not tied to a single vehicle programme.

Balancing tolerances illustrate the point. OEM plants may work to residual imbalances as low as two grammes, while many workshops accept eight to 15 grammes. Whether a driver notices depends on vehicle sensitivity, but the physics are unforgiving. “Imbalance vibrations can increase very fast when the speed is going up due to the exponential behaviour,” De Bruyne notes. Lower residual imbalance always reduces TU vibration risk.

Automation is transforming the assembly line, yet human expertise remains central. Practical assembler knowledge is increasingly embedded into software, statistical process controls, cameras, sensors and AI systems. “The key-knowledge is the teacher of such equipment and less the production operator on the line,” De Bruyne observes, underscoring a shift from manual skill to process intelligence.

Convincing OEM decision-makers to invest in this hidden discipline relies on data. Carmakers increasingly use market feedback tools, such as J.D. Power studies, tracking performance from delivery through the first year of ownership. This feedback drives Tier 1 suppliers to adjust processes in pursuit of customer satisfaction. Internal rejections between OEMs and wheel assemblers can also trigger upgrades, particularly when Tier 2 suppliers across global plants struggle with consistency. “Over the last 30 years, numerous additional optional processes have been introduced in the wheel assembly industry. While tyre shops may be aware of these processes, the high cost of the required equipment has often made it difficult to turn them into a viable business model,” De Bruyne concludes.

For an industry obsessed with powertrains, software and styling, tyre-wheel assembly may remain out of sight – but, as De Bruyne makes clear, it is increasingly central to how a vehicle feels, performs, and ultimately, how a brand is judged.

Nokian Tyres has achieved a significant global milestone as its new Romanian production facility becomes the first tyre factory in the world to be awarded LEED v4 Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. This prestigious designation recognises the building's incorporation of extensive sustainable features, such as high energy efficiency, an advanced water management system and the use of on-site solar panels.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) framework is the foremost global rating system for sustainable construction. Certified buildings are distinguished by their reduced energy and water consumption, lower carbon emissions, minimised landfill waste and the creation of healthier indoor spaces for occupants. This accolade adds to a history of environmental leadership for Nokian Tyres; its US facility was previously the world's first tyre factory to receive LEED v4 Silver certification, and its on-site solar panels fully power the Gold-certified administration building there.

Having commenced tyre deliveries in March 2025, the Romanian plant is also notable as the world’s first full-scale tyre factory to operate with zero CO2 emissions from its direct operations. Furthermore, the company’s broader commitment to sustainability was acknowledged in 2025 when it was named one of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies by TIME Magazine.

Teppo Huovila, Vice President – Quality and Sustainability, Nokian Tyres, said, “Sustainability is not only about the products we create; it is also about the spaces where we create them. Earning the LEED certification reflects our commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of our operations while providing healthier, safer and more energy‑efficient workplaces for our employees.”

Balkrishna Industries Limited (BKT Tires), already a dominant force in the Off-Highway Tyre (OHT) sector globally, has announced its strategic foray into India’s consumer tyre market. This significant expansion introduces the company’s On-Highway portfolio, marking a pivotal shift in its business trajectory. The initial product lineup is purpose-built for two-wheelers, encompassing both scooters and motorcycles, as well as Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCV). This move underscores BKT’s long-term commitment to establishing a strong presence in India’s rapidly expanding consumer and replacement tyre segments. Accompanying the product launch is a new national brand campaign, ‘Elevate Your Drive’, fronted by brand ambassador Ranveer Singh, which heralds the beginning of the company’s journey as a consumer-facing brand.

To provide clarity for its evolving corporate structure, BKT has introduced a new brand architecture under its existing identity, ‘BKT – Growing Together’. This framework establishes two distinct verticals: BKT Tyres, which will encompass the company’s complete range from Off-Highway to the new On-Highway categories, and BKT Carbon, dedicated to its carbon black and industrial materials business. This dual-pillar approach reflects BKT’s transformation into a more integrated mobility enterprise.

The company’s entry into the consumer space is led by two new two-wheeler tyre lines, both manufactured in India. The BKT ZENOVA is engineered specifically for urban commuting, prioritising rider comfort, smooth handling and reliable grip. Complementing this is the BKT THYROS, designed for riders who encounter mixed terrain, offering enhanced control and confidence on both on-road and off-road surfaces. Developed with core consumer needs like comfort, safety and mileage in mind, the range has undergone rigorous validation. This includes design verification, durability trials and performance testing for braking and handling at the government’s NATRAX facility, ensuring they meet IATF 16949 standards and hold mandatory BIS certifications.

BKT’s expansion into the commercial on-road segment will follow with the introduction of its Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicle Radial (MHCVR) tyres, slated for launch in the first quarter of FY2026-27. The initial offering will include the BKT m.Loadxpert and BKT Milexpert RG, tyres developed for demanding applications like cement transport and regional cargo logistics. Engineered for high stability and robust casing strength, each tyre undergoes over 138 in-process quality checks and more than 20 design verification tests in NABL-accredited labs. By meeting all BIS standards, the range emphasises reliability, long service life and retreadability, bringing industrial-grade validation to the commercial road sector.

The go-to-market strategy involves a phased rollout through BKT’s nationwide distributor and dealer network, beginning with key high-demand markets. Reinforcing its consumer-first approach, the company will support the new portfolio with an advanced digital platform designed for efficient service response and transparent complaint tracking. This initiative aims to set new standards in customer engagement and service responsiveness within the Indian mobility sector.

Underpinning this strategic expansion is a substantial investment commitment of INR 35 billion (approximately USD 400 million). These funds are earmarked for expanding manufacturing capacity, advancing research and development, supporting vertical integration through the BKT Carbon business and widening the distribution network. This investment is central to the company’s Vision 2030, which targets a consolidated revenue of approximately INR 230 billion by FY30. This future revenue mix is projected to comprise about 70 percent from its core Off-Highway tyre business, 20 percent from the newly entered On-Highway categories and 10 percent from third-party carbon black sales.

Arvind Poddar, Chairman & Managing Director, BKT, said, “Our entry into the on-highway segment is a natural extension of BKT’s purpose – to support India’s evolving mobility needs with products engineered for real world conditions. We are building on decades of manufacturing discipline to offer tyres that deliver safety, reliability and value. Guided by BKT – Growing Together, we aim to be a dependable partner for consumers, distributors and dealers.”

Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director, BKT, said, “BKT’s foray into the on-highway tyre segment is a strategic milestone under our Vision 2030 – an India-led initiative to scale responsibly and expand our mobility footprint. Our approach balances ambition with discipline, where we aim to grow while protecting profitability and maintaining our engineering excellence. With a defined revenue roadmap of INR 23,000 crore (INR 230 billion) by 2030 – a 2.2x increase from FY25 levels, this measured growth, is built on clarity, capability and long-term commitment.”

Satish Sharma, Senior President and Director – Business Development and Strategy, BKT, said, “As we step into a new phase of growth, our focus remains unwavering on delivering durability, mileage, comfort and advanced performance across 2-Wheeler, Truck Bus Radial, Passenger and Light Truck categories, backed by deep customer insights and a commitment to product leadership. We are proud to pioneer industry first initiatives – whether it is pure distribution play ensuring wide reach with zero channel conflict, our ‘Journey Assistance Program’ for riders, or transformative programmes like ‘Save the Casing’ and market leading end user loyalty platforms. Our goal is clear – to achieve a five percent market share by FY30 through a disciplined, India-led strategy based on product leadership, distribution strength and consumer trust.”