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.

Vietnam’s growing role as a global tyre manufacturing base is creating new opportunities for domestic producers, but breaking into established international markets remains difficult. Da Nang Rubber Joint Stock Company is expanding exports and production capacity while confronting larger Chinese rivals on price and established global manufacturers on technology, distribution and brand strength. General Director Le Hoang Khanh Nhut tells Tyre Trends that competing globally will require Vietnamese manufacturers to move beyond cost advantages and demonstrate quality, operating efficiency and long-term customer value.

Southeast Asian tyre manufacturers have evolved as an aggressive competitor in the global tyre race. Tyre makers from China, Vietnam, India, Thailand etc. are constantly competing for a share of the bigger pie. While one nations tyre manufacturer competes on price advantage, another competes on quality.

The tyre manufacturing scene in Vietnam resonates quality and pricing in the global stage. But that is not the end of the story. On one hand, many manufacturers from other countries are leveraging the strategical importance of Vietnam for pushing products into international markets.

And on the other hand, trade tariffs and anti-dumping duties are creating hurdles for such companies. “Trade defence measures, anti-dumping actions, rules of origin and tariff changes have become ongoing factors in export management,” said Da Nang Rubber Joint Stock Company (DRC) General Director Le Hoang Khanh Nhut during an exclusive interaction with Tyre Trends magazine.

He confidently stated that DRC closely monitors each market to select appropriate products, pricing structures, distribution partners and production plans while ensuring that origin documentation, technical compliance and trade compliance are properly standardised.

“Trade barriers can increase costs and risks, but they can also create opportunities when customers seek to diversify their supply sources beyond a single country. The pre-requisite is that Vietnamese companies maintain transparency regarding origin, control their supply chains and retain genuine competitiveness,” he quipped.

Explaining the current situation within the country’s broader market economics, a confident Nhut averred that Vietnam’s expanding infrastructure, logistics network and export connectivity are creating favourable conditions for tyre manufacturers operating in the country.

He added that the country was investing heavily in highways, transportation and logistics infrastructure. That development is supporting both domestic demand and the country’s ambitions to become a manufacturing and distribution hub for global markets.

For DRC, the expansion of Vietnamese tyre manufacturers into global markets will depend less on competing solely on price and more on leveraging manufacturing experience and product quality.

Asked how Vietnamese manufacturers could compete with Chinese tyre makers, which often operate with larger research and development budgets, Nhut said, “The strategy is to focus on experience and quality rather than entering a price-led competition. We don’t follow the price competitively like Chinese companies.”

STRATEGIC PLACEMENT

International markets, especially Europe and America, are crucial to Vietnamese tyre manufacturers including DRC. The company states that the US is an established and important export market.

In April 2024, DRC signed an export agreement with Oceanside One Trading covering Brazil and the US with the stated aim of increasing exports to those markets.

Europe is strategically important but not one of its mature core markets yet. The company’s 2024 annual report explicitly states that it aims to increase its market share in Europe.

Nonetheless, the local market assumes a similar importance for the company. “The domestic market remains a strategic foundation for us. It is where the brand has been built over several decades. We have an extensive distribution network here and the market helps us maintain a balanced production volume,” said Nhut.

Le Hoang Khanh Nhut, General Director, Da Nang Rubber Joint Stock Company (DRC)

However, the challenges include periods of weaker purchasing power, strong competition from imported products and FDI-based companies and pricing pressure. “Unlike many export markets, Vietnam has a fragmented distribution structure; customers are price-sensitive but also place strong importance on durability, product availability and warranty response time,” explained Nhut.

On the broader spectrum of market-linked business advantages, the country has become a manufacturing base for many international tyre manufacturers. “Vietnam has several practical advantages including a favourable location for exports, access to many markets through FTAs, an increasingly skilled technical workforce and a developing supporting-industry ecosystem,” stated Nhut.

DRC perceives these advantages are complemented by accumulated manufacturing experience, a domestic brand, an established workforce and a production management system that is being modernised.

“However, we still face disadvantages in terms of economies of scale, the degree of self-sufficiency in strategic raw materials, logistics costs, supply-chain depth and resources available for foundational technologies compared with China, Thailand, Indonesia or India. These areas need to be addressed through focused investment and supply-chain integration,” he noted.

INTERNATIONAL TUSSLE

DRC’s manufacturing operations are based in Da Nang, where it operates separate facilities for different tyre categories. Nhut cited production covering passenger car tyres, motorcycle and bicycle tyres, agricultural tyres, OTR products and other categories.

The chief executive estimated its overall production at around five million tyres. And in recent years, its international business has seen clear growth in both scale and geographical reach.

By the end of 2024, export turnover had exceeded USD 100 million, and its products are currently present in more than 50 countries and territories including markets with high standards such as the US, Europe, Japan, South Korea and Brazil.

“Our focus remains on strengthening markets where we already have a solid foundation, particularly in the Americas and developed markets, while selectively expanding into regions with significant room for growth,” contended Nhut.

He added that demand is shifting towards greater emphasis on consistent quality, durability, operational efficiency, reliable supply and technical compliance. Therefore, exporting is no longer simply about selling products but about building the capability to serve markets over the long term.

Nonetheless, Chinese tyre companies are a much stronger competitor in international markets for Vietnamese counterparts. Explaining how DRC navigates the challenge of competing head-to-head with Chinese tyre markets, Nhut said, “The expansion of Chinese tyres has intensified price competition in the replacement market, particularly in mainstream segments. This has created direct pressure on selling prices and margins across the industry.”

“We do not compete solely on price and focus on consistent quality, durability, technical service and real-world operating efficiency to retain customers. The market has indeed become more challenging, but it also creates opportunities for manufacturers that demonstrate product lifecycle value, consistently meet delivery commitments and reliable after-sales support,” he added.

GLOBAL STRONGHOLD

According to Nhut, DRC’s strongest international growth opportunities are in segments where it already has capabilities and credibility that include radial truck and bus tyres, industrial and agricultural tyres and speciality tyres.

“The expansion of radial truck tyre capacity to one million tyres per year is an important step in increasing our ability to serve the market. At the same time, we need to continue shifting our product mix towards higher-value products with higher technical requirements, durability and specialisation,” he added.

Product lines for next-generation vehicles and technical rubber products are also focus areas for the company. It also does not consider expanding the product portfolio to be an objective in itself. It must be aligned with research and developmental capabilities, investment efficiency and market demand.

The investment sentiment within the country’s tyre industry is also seeing heightened demand. It has attracted significant investment and substantially increased production capacity.

But the additional investment in Vietnam’s tyre industry is both an opportunity and a source of pressure, said Nhut.

“The opportunity lies in improvements to the supply chain, technical workforce, logistics services and Vietnam’s attractiveness as a manufacturing base. The pressure comes from greater competition for skilled labour, raw materials, customers and quality standards,” he added.

The company, however, views the current situation as a driving force to improve productivity, enhance quality and penetrate its own brand deeper into markets.

And to become a major name in the global tyre market, the company needs to shift from a mindset of exporting products to building a brand and the capability to serve international markets, contended an excited Nhut.

“The focus should be on maintaining consistent quality; investing in research and development; green manufacturing technologies; developing higher value-added segments; building sufficiently strong distribution and after-sales networks in key markets; applying international standards in

quality, ESG, trade compliance and data management and strengthening global human resources capabilities,” added the executive.

Expanding radial production capacity is necessary, but ultimately, success lies in DRC’s ability to build long-term trust in quality, operating efficiency and responsibility towards customers worldwide, noted the executive.

PERSISTENT HURDLES

The biggest challenge for DRC is competing with groups that have significantly greater scale, larger research and development budgets, distribution networks and purchasing power for raw materials.

According to Nhut, Chinese companies have advantages in terms of price and speed. Japanese, Korean and European companies are strong in technology, branding and OEM relationships, while Indian companies have scale advantages in certain segments.

He further noted that DRC’s strengths lie in its longstanding experience in radial truck, bias, agricultural and speciality tyres; its flexibility in responding to market needs; proven quality in many demanding markets and manufacturing base in Vietnam.

However, scale remains a limitation when it comes to long-term research and development investment, rapidly expanding after-sales networks, maintaining regional inventories and increasing global brand recognition.

“We cannot compete with multi-national groups in terms of the scale of research and development spending. Therefore, our approach is to focus resources on issues that have a direct impact on customers and production efficiency,” explained Nhut.

He added, “Our priorities include tyre structure and rubber compound design to improve durability, reduce heat generation, enhance load-carrying capability and improve fuel efficiency. Optimisation of radial products, development of products for emerging needs such as electric vehicles, high-speed tyres and specialty products as well as automation, digitalisation, traceability and green manufacturing are also priorities.”

The company also places strong emphasis on strengthening its engineering team, technical cooperation and shortening the cycle from testing to commercialisation.

Customers are increasingly evaluating tyres based on total cost of ownership rather than simply the initial purchase price. And to convince international fleets and distributors, DRC needs to speak through operating data rather than relying solely on catalogues.

“We are increasing real-world testing and monitoring mileage, wear, fuel consumption, incident rates and reusability or recyclability depending on the product line. Based on this data, we work with distributors to provide technical advice, clear warranty policies and rapid feedback,” stated Nhut.

The objective of the company is to help its customers see a product with a reasonable purchase price that lasts longer, operates more consistently and reduces vehicle downtime to create greater value over its entire lifecycle.

The company has a retreading facility and stated that some casings can be retreaded two or three times.

FORWARD PATH

Nhut expects Southeast Asian tyre manufacturers to continue expanding their presence in global markets.

“Over the next 3–5 years, significant room for growth lies in replacement markets with demand for radial truck tyres, agricultural, industrial and speciality tyres as well as among customers seeking a stable and diversified source of supply outside traditional manufacturing centres,” said Nhut.

The Americas, selected European markets, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America all need to be approached selectively based on trade conditions and service capabilities, he added.

The factors limiting faster expansion include the need to build distribution networks, inventory, after-sales support and local technical certifications together with working capital requirements, foreign-exchange risks, logistics and trade barriers.

“These are long-term investments and cannot be pursued at the expense of sustainable growth,” noted Nhut.

Asked how manufacturers from Vietnam and other Asian markets could position themselves against established European tyre makers, DRC said its focus would be on expanding its market presence rather than retreating from competition with larger international manufacturers.

The current situation in Vietnam reflects a broader shift in the tyre manufacturing landscape, with Asian producers increasingly seeking opportunities in overseas markets while established manufacturers face changing cost structures and production strategies.

Vietnam’s emergence as a competitive tyre manufacturing base gives DRC a platform for international expansion, but geography, trade access and manufacturing costs alone will not secure a global stronghold.

The bigger test is whether the company can translate rising capacity and decades of production experience into stronger technology, distribution, after-sales support and brand recognition.

As competition intensifies and trade barriers multiply, DRC’s global ambitions will increasingly depend on proving lifecycle value rather than simply offering another competitively priced alternative from Asia.

HF Group has received Continental’s Supplier Award for Tyre Manufacturing Equipment 2025 in the Service, Maintenance & Repair category, recognising its work delivered  during the year.

The award acknowledges the contribution of HF Group’s mixing and curing teams across multiple deliveries, service assignments and engineering projects undertaken with Continental in 2025.

To mark the recognition, Continental invited the award winners to an Experience Day at its Contidrom test facility near Hanover on recently. The event gave attendees an opportunity to experience Continental’s tyre technology and drive on the test track.

HF Group was represented by André Arends, Garlef Dombrowski, Florian Droege and Peter Hummel.

The company thanked Continental for the award and recognised the expertise and collaboration of its teams in delivering the work.

ATIRE, a leading Sri Lankan Solid tyre maker, has appointed Thierry Miche as director of OEM and product, effective September 2026, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the global tyre and mobility industry to the role.

At ATIRE, Miche will lead the company's OEM and product activities, focusing on portfolio development, OEM relationships and expansion into new technical and commercial markets globally.

Miche joins from Michelin, where he spent 26 years in senior product and operational leadership positions, including roles at Solideal and Camso before their integration into the French group.

His most recent position was product Management Director for Beyond Road, with global strategic and operational responsibility for the product portfolio. He led teams across Belgium, Canada, France and the US, working with research and development, industrialisation, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket sales, and supply chain functions.

Previously, Miche was Product Line Executive Director For material handling, overseeing the global product platform and holding full profit and loss responsibility for three manufacturing sites in Belgium, Germany and the US. He also led global research and development teams in Belgium and Sri Lanka.

His career has spanned product management and engineering, technical support, warranty management, quality assurance and systems. The experience covers the development and delivery of products across engineering, industrialisation, validation, sales and supply chain operations.