In a candid interaction with Tyre Trends, freelance tyre testing specialist Juuli Raatikainen shares her views on the intricacies of tyre testing, the role of women in the industry, simulation and the road ahead, reports Nilesh Wadhwa.

“Women have been driving cars for decades, so why not be part of the tyre and automotive testing industry? I believe the bigger question and challenge is how the industry (tyre and automotive) can think beyond gender. The tyre testing industry is huge, but there are not many direct studies to learn about it and become part of it,” remarked Juuli Raatikainen, the 28-year-old test driver and mechanic who has been offering freelance services for tyre testing for the last four years.

INITIAL JOURNEY

It is no secret that tyre testing is not a widely known field. A simple internet search for the world’s top 10 racers or motorsport celebrities will return mostly male sports personalities.

For Raatikainen, the journey into tyre testing began as a test assistant in Lapland, Finland.

“I started my career as a test assistant. My passion for testing grew, and I was eager to learn more, working hard to gain knowledge. My efforts were noticed, and I received the necessary support. The decision to start my own company and operate as a freelancer was quite easy for me. In the first two years, I focused on gaining experience, testing time and learning as much as possible. I wanted to see tyre testing from different angles, companies and drivers. Today, I am happy to say that I have experience in tyre testing operations as a tyre mechanic, test assistant, instrumentation specialist and objective test driver. I am also engaged in testing tyres and vehicles for events and magazines,” she shared.

THE EVOLVING ROLE OF TYRE TESTING

Tyre testing has evolved over the years, from physical and mechanical assessments to indoor methods, including Tyre-in-the-Loop (TiL) testing, a form of hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) simulation. However, despite technological advancements, many tests still need to be conducted in real-world conditions to determine optimal solutions.

For example, a vehicle travelling in a sandy environment at a particular tyre pressure will have different braking times even at the same speed. The steering response, traction at different corners and slippage will also vary.

“I find simulators to be a good tool for all drivers and for hardware development. However, no one knows exactly how they will impact testing in the future. Many questions remain, and some conditions and types of tests cannot yet be simulated accurately. As a test driver, my main expertise is in winter testing. From my experience, winter conditions are particularly difficult to replicate artificially. Winter is a living, breathing element of nature, making it hard to forecast, as conditions can change very quickly,” she explained.

For tyre manufacturers, real-world testing is essential for finding the right conditions and weather. For instance, summer tyres cannot be tested in winter, nor can Nordic spike tyres be tested in warm conditions. “It is a challenge for companies to run tyre tests year-round and across different locations. Agility is key,” Raatikainen added.

Tyre testing falls into two main categories: objective and subjective. Objective testing relies on instruments to assess tyre performance, while subjective testing depends on the driver’s evaluation.

“As a freelancer, I work across different processes. Transparency with clients is my priority. It’s about what I do and how I do it. Trust is one of the key values I bring to the table,” she explained.

KEY LEARNINGS & TYRE SAFETY

As a test driver, Raatikainen has firsthand experience of how tyre choices impact performance and safety in different conditions.

“Statistics show that one of the most common mistakes drivers make is using the wrong type of tyres for their environment and weather conditions. When selecting tyres, it’s crucial to consider two key questions: Where will I be driving, and in what weather conditions? These simple considerations can significantly impact safety,” she added.

Most tyres have a wear indicator on the tread to signal when they need replacement, but these warnings are often ignored.

According to data from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), India recorded 461,312 road accidents in 2022, resulting in 155,781 fatal cases. Despite tyres having a significant influence on vehicular control, they are rarely cited as a primary cause of accidents.

When replacing tyres, it is also crucial to check their manufacturing date. Raatikainen emphasises that even a ‘new’ tyre must be evaluated based on its production date, as rubber degrades over time, regardless of use.

“Regularly checking tyre condition is just as important as choosing the right type. Ensure tyres have adequate tread depth, are free from cracks or bulges and are properly inflated. These simple maintenance habits can extend tyre life and improve safety,” she added.

FUTURE TRENDS IMPACTING THE TYRE INDUSTRY

New-age vehicles and tightening regulations are pushing industry players towards sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint.

For the tyre industry, environmentally friendly sourcing, production and materials remain key focus areas. From a tester’s perspective, what does the future hold?

“I am excited about advancements in simulation technology and their impact on the tyre industry. Another major trend is the growing emphasis on indoor testing for winter tyres, which addresses unpredictable weather challenges and helps distribute testing workloads more efficiently,” she said.

A third emerging trend is smart tyre technology.

“While modern vehicles are equipped with advanced systems, tyres have yet to integrate similar innovations. The questions of when this technology will arrive, how it will develop and what features it will bring are incredibly exciting. I look forward to seeing how smart tyres will enhance safety, performance and the driving experience,” Raatikainen concluded.

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Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has unveiled a brand installation at the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) T2 Elevated Road Underpass as the tyre manufacturer seeks to broaden its positioning beyond its traditional Off-Highway business and strengthen awareness of its expanding on-highway portfolio in India.

The 2,000 sq. ft. installation, inspired by the company's "Elevate Your Drive" philosophy, highlights BKT's portfolio across agriculture, construction, mining, earthmoving, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and passenger vehicles. The activation comes as the company expands its presence in India's two-wheeler and commercial vehicle tyre segments.

Designed to move beyond conventional outdoor advertising, the installation features nine illuminated tyre-shaped displays, each 8 feet in diameter, using the tyre itself as the central storytelling element. It opens with a large-format visual featuring BKT brand ambassador Ranveer Singh, followed by a sequence of displays illustrating the company's expanding mobility portfolio. The installation will remain at the airport for 24 months.

Mumbai International Airport handled a record 55.5 million passengers in 2025, providing the company with sustained visibility among business travellers and consumers.

"For BKT, innovation goes beyond product engineering; it extends to how we tell our story. This installation reflects a simple yet powerful idea: our tyre itself becomes the medium through which travellers experience the breadth of BKT's world. As we expand our presence across India's mobility landscape, it is important that consumers see BKT not through a single product category, but as a brand that supports movement across diverse terrains, applications and journeys. Mumbai Airport provides an ideal stage for us to express that transformation in a memorable and distinctive way," said Satish Sharma, Senior President & Director – Business Development and Strategy, BKT.

The installation was conceptualised by Infectious Advertising and uses immersive design, sequential storytelling and its airport location to showcase the company's wider mobility portfolio. According to BKT, the activation is intended to connect its established Off-Highway business with its growing presence in India's on-highway mobility market.

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Mumbai-headquartered leading carbon black manufacturer Epsilon Carbon has reported a 10 percent reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions across its upstream transportation operations during FY2025–26. The reduction was achieved through the deployment of an electric and liquefied natural gas freight fleet.

An independent third party certified the emissions data. The reductions achieved in transport logistics equate to carbon absorption figures associated with approximately 29,000 trees. The verified figures allow supply chain partners to include these reductions within Scope 3 emissions reporting frameworks and environmental disclosures.

Gaurav Mathur, Chief Executive Officer, Epsilon Carbon, said, “Decarbonising logistics is central to our climate strategy. What makes this milestone meaningful is that the results are independently verified with a 10 percent reduction in CO2e emissions within the upstream transportation category over a single financial year, driven by the adoption of electric and LNG fleets. These carbon reductions strengthen our own sustainability disclosures and those of our customers, and we intend to scale this model across our supply chain.”

Following Phase 1 operations, Epsilon Carbon intends to expand the number of electric and LNG vehicles in its transport fleet during FY 2026–27 to scale low-carbon freight transport across its supply chain network.

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Czech billionaire Michal Strnad has acquired a 14 percent stake in Pirelli from Chinese state-owned group Sinochem, in a transaction valued at about EURO 1 billion, according to a report by Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

The report said the acquisition was made through Lumina Crown, Strnad's investment vehicle, making the 33-year-old businessman the tyre maker's third-largest shareholder.

Following the transaction, Sinochem's holding in Pirelli has been reduced from 34.1 percent to 20.1 percent, while MTP, the holding company controlled by Marco Tronchetti Provera, has become the company's largest shareholder with a 26.5 percent stake, the newspaper reported.

According to Corriere della Sera, BNP Paribas advised Sinochem on the transaction, while Jefferies acted as adviser to Lumina Crown.

Strnad is the controlling shareholder of Czechoslovak Group (CSG), a defence manufacturer that owns the Italian brands Fiocchi Munizioni and Perazzi. He controls about 85 percent of CSG, which is listed in Amsterdam with a market capitalisation of around EURO 16.6 billion.

The investment in Pirelli was made in a personal capacity through his holding company, Lumina, the newspaper said.

Commenting on the investment, Strnad said, "We are pleased to make this long-term investment in Pirelli, a company that has long been a global leader in its sector, distinguished by its unique history, strong premium positioning and proven capacity for innovation. We have great confidence in Pirelli's strategy, its management team and the company's ability to continue generating sustainable long-term value for all stakeholders. Our investment reflects our strategy of supporting outstanding companies that combine leadership positions in their respective markets, durable competitive advantages, world-class brands and strong growth prospects. It also demonstrates our ability to identify and execute highly attractive investment opportunities globally, acting with conviction and discipline."

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Pirelli reported a 13.3 percent increase in first-half net profit as the premium tyre maker benefited from continued growth in its High Value business, despite persistent geopolitical uncertainty and a volatile economic environment.

Net profit for the six months ended 30^TH June rose to EURO 299 million from EURO 264 million a year earlier, supported in part by lower financial charges. Revenue was broadly unchanged at EURO 3.49 billion, although organic revenue increased 2.5 percent after excluding the effects of foreign exchange movements, hyperinflation accounting and changes in the scope of consolidation.

Adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) were EURO 557.8 million, broadly unchanged from €558.3m a year earlier, while the adjusted EBIT margin remained stable at 16 per cent.

High Value products accounted for 82 percent of total sales, up from 80 per cent in the first half of 2025, reflecting the company's continued focus on premium and prestige segments.

The company generated a net cash outflow before dividends and the consolidation of Xushen Tyre of EURO 556.9 million, compared with EURO 547.1 million in the corresponding period of 2025, excluding the positive impact from the disposal of Däckia AB. Net financial debt stood at EURO 1.92 billion at the end of June.

Pirelli confirmed the financial targets announced in May.

Second-quarter revenue increased 1 percent year on year to EURO 1.76 billion. Organic growth was 1.4 percent after excluding the effects of foreign exchange, hyperinflation and changes in the scope of consolidation.

Second-quarter adjusted EBIT rose 0.7 percent to EURO 280.4 million, while the adjusted EBIT margin remained unchanged at 16 percent. Net profit increased 3.9 percent to EURO 142.2 million.

The board approved the half-year results, although directors Zhang Haitao, Xi Xiaohong and Wang Kun voted against the financial statements because of the declaration of control by MTP Spa contained in the financial report.

Pirelli said its first-half performance demonstrated the resilience of its business model and the effective execution of its strategic programmes despite continuing geopolitical tensions and economic volatility.

The company's commercial strategy continued to focus on High Value products. Car and motorcycle volumes in the segment increased 3.5 percent during the first half, supported by growth in both the original equipment and replacement channels. The company cited partnerships with leading vehicle manufacturers in North America and Asia-Pacific, alongside continued consumer demand for its premium products.

By contrast, Standard segment volumes fell 8 per cent as Pirelli continued to reduce exposure to lower-margin markets, particularly in South America. Overall tyre volumes remained broadly stable during the period.

Pirelli also strengthened its innovation programme by securing about 200 new homologations with premium and prestige vehicle manufacturers during the first six months of the year. Around 90 percent were for tyres of 19 inches and above, while 70 percent related to speciality products. Electric vehicles accounted for 60 percent of the new homologations.

Among the latest vehicle programmes were approvals for the Ferrari Luce, Rivian R2S and the new Audi Q7 and Q9 sport utility vehicles.

The company also expanded its product portfolio with the launch of the Scorpion AS 4 for the North American replacement market, the Metzeler Sportec 01 RS motorcycle tyre and the Cinturato Gravel RH and RM cycling tyres.

Development of the Cyber Tyre platform also continued through partnerships with connectivity and autonomous driving specialists including Univrses, RideSense and Niulinx.

Pirelli said its efficiency programme generated gross benefits of EURO 81 million during the first half, representing about 54 percent of its annual target. The gains were driven by product design improvements and higher industrial productivity.

The company added that it had introduced mitigation measures, including price increases and additional cost controls, to offset higher raw material, energy and transport costs resulting from the Middle East crisis.

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