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.

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KraussMaffei has appointed Xinting Ren as Managing Director of its extrusion business, effective 1 September, 2026, combining the role with his existing leadership of the group’s China operations.

Ren succeeds Ralf Benack, who left the company at his own request on 31^st August , ending a tenure of about two years.

The company said the dual appointment is intended to strengthen integration between its extrusion activities and international operations.

Ren has led KraussMaffei China for the past three years, overseeing cross-technology activities in the Chinese market. Before joining the group, he held several management roles in the chemical industry, including Assistant General Manager at KraussMaffei Company Limited, now operating as Sinochem Equipment Technology Qingdao Co., and most recently served as general manager of Shanxi China Coal Pingshuo Energy Chemical Co., Ltd.

Benack took over leadership of KraussMaffei Extrusion in 2024 and was responsible for the group’s global extrusion business. During his tenure, the company focused on operational processes and customer orientation, reducing delivery times and further developing the Technology Center at its Laatzen site.

The facility now offers 26 pilot lines for development and customer projects, and the company said it also expanded its extrusion technology portfolio.

From September, responsibility for the extrusion business and management of the China business will be combined under Ren’s leadership.

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Nokian Tyres plc has introduced a new premium summer tyre, the Powerproof E, designed for Central and Southern European markets, with A-class ratings in all three European Union tyre label categories across its full range.

The company said the tyre achieves top grades for rolling resistance, wet grip and external rolling noise, reflecting a development approach aimed at balancing efficiency, safety and comfort within a single product.

“Whether the priority is maximizing range and efficiency or achieving confidence and comfort in wet conditions, drivers should not have to compromise on safety. The new Nokian Tyres Powerproof E is designed to deliver outstanding performance in the areas that matter most to drivers,” said Tommi Alhola, Senior Vice-President for Passenger Car tyres in Central Europe.

Samu Lepistö, development manager at the company, added: “Achieving A-class ratings in all three EU tire label categories across the entire range is a significant result. These characteristics are all important to today's drivers yet improving one can often affect another. Nokian Tyres Powerproof E was developed to deliver balanced performance across all three areas.”

The tyre incorporates what the company calls Motion Control Technology, combining tread design, compound development and structural engineering to support efficiency and wet-weather performance.

Depending on size, between 40.9 percent and 42.8 percent of the tyre’s material content consists of recycled and renewable inputs, including rice husk ash, recycled carbon black and recycled steel.

Production takes place at the group’s factory in Oradea, Romania, which opened in 2024 and operates with zero direct carbon dioxide emissions, powered by renewable energy.

The Powerproof E is designed for passenger cars, sport utility vehicles and crossover vehicles, including electric, hybrid and internal combustion models. It will be available in sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches for the 2027 summer season in Central and Southern Europe.

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Continental Tire Canada has appointed Frank Buntinx as its new Managing Director, effective 17 August 2026. In this executive capacity, he assumes comprehensive oversight of the organisation’s entire Canadian tyre portfolio, which encompasses passenger and light truck vehicles, commercial truck lines and specialised tyre segments. His leadership will guide the strategic direction and operational performance across these diverse business units.

A native of Belgium, Buntinx brings over two decades of tenure with Continental, having commenced his career there in 2003 within logistics and supply chain management. Over the years, he has accumulated a broad commercial skillset through successive roles in marketing, pricing strategy, business analytics, fleet operations and sales. His professional trajectory later elevated him to senior leadership positions in the Benelux region, where he directed marketing efforts and subsequently headed Fleet Solutions and Truck Tires, thereby acquiring multifaceted management expertise.

This transatlantic appointment signifies a pivotal career transition for Buntinx, offering him the chance to infuse the Canadian market with an international vantage point. His arrival is anticipated to bolster Continental’s regional presence, leveraging his extensive cross-functional background to navigate the complexities of the domestic tyre industry and drive organisational growth.

“I am truly excited to join Continental Tire Canada and begin this new chapter. Continental has built a strong business and reputation in the Canadian market, and I look forward to working alongside our talented team to build on that success, strengthening Continental's position while supporting the growth and success of our customers,” said Buntinx.

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Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., which operates the Dunlop brand, will discontinue the supply of karting tyres by the end of 2027 as part of a strategic review of its business and allocation of management resources.

The company said it would continue supplying products to existing customers until December 31, 2027.

Dunlop has produced karting tyres since 1976, supplying products homologated by the Commission Internationale de Karting-FIA (CIK-FIA), under the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, as well as tyres accredited by the Japan Automobile Federation.

The company said its products had supported a wide range of users, from recreational drivers to young drivers aiming to compete at higher levels, and had contributed to the development of karting participation.

It added that the decision followed a review of its medium- to long-term management strategy and changes in the business environment.

The group said it would continue to contribute to motorsport activities, while expressing appreciation to customers and organisations that had supported its karting tyre business.

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