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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Titan International has elevated Kendra Mann to the role of Director of Aftermarket Sales for the Titan and Goodyear agricultural tyre lines. In this capacity, she becomes a key member of Paul Hawkins’ North American aftermarket leadership team, where she will oversee strategic direction and operational execution within the aftermarket channel. This appointment underscores Titan’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its agricultural aftermarket presence as the company continues to focus on growth and dealer alignment across North America.

With over two decades in the tyre industry, Mann brings extensive expertise to her new position, including the last eight years spent at Titan. Her previous roles there ranged from OEM Account Manager to Field Sales Manager overseeing a multi-state territory, where she drove aftermarket expansion. Prior to joining Titan, she spent 15 years at GCR Tires and Service managing commercial tyre operations. In her latest capacity, she will work closely with field sales, product management and dealer networks to ensure seamless coordination across the Titan and Goodyear agricultural portfolios.

Looking ahead, customers can expect a sharper focus on aligning field support with sales and marketing strategies, reinforcing the dealer partnerships that form the backbone of daily service. Through this leadership change, Titan aims to enhance responsiveness and deliver a more cohesive experience across the agricultural aftermarket channel.

Paul Hawkins, SVP of Aftermarket Sales, said, “Kendra has earned this. She understands the business, she understands the customer and she knows how to move the needle for our aftermarket business. This is the right person in the right role at the right time for Titan agriculture.”

Scott Sloan, Global Ag/LSW Product Manager, said, "Kendra has built valuable relationships in the field. She knows how dealers operate and what customers need on the ground. That perspective is going to make a real difference in how we execute across the ag aftermarket."

Kim Boccardi, VP of Marketing, said, "Kendra is the kind of person who makes everyone around her better. She's put in the work, she knows the industry, and watching her step into this role is exactly what you hope to see. Titan is better with her joining our leadership team."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Linglong Tire has announced a leadership transition, with Zhou Lingkun appointed as President and CEO as of 16 March 2026. Assuming full operational command, his primary objective is to refine the company’s corporate governance structure. Meanwhile, former President Wang Feng, whose family retains controlling shares, continues as Chairman of the board.

A 1974-born graduate of Zhejiang University, Lingkun brings a robust background from global consulting and IT firms, including Arthur Andersen, IBM and Hewlett-Packard. His most recent role was President of the Enterprise Technology and Performance Business Group at Deloitte China, where he also served as a board member.

This strategic appointment separates operational leadership from familial shareholding, positioning Lingkun to steer daily management while leveraging his extensive international expertise to drive organisational efficiency.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

KraussMaffei Group is set to implement a leadership transition at its US subsidiary, KraussMaffei Corporation (KMC). Brett Greenhalgh, President of KMC, will retire at the end of May 2026, marking the conclusion of his tenure. His departure will also see him step away from the industry and leave United States for a three-year period, during which he and his wife will devote themselves to a church mission project of deep personal significance.

Over the past two years, Greenhalgh has served as a pivotal leader for KraussMaffei, providing steady direction for the US organisation. His foresight in preparing for the future is evident in his deliberate cultivation of an internal successor, John Fini, ensuring a seamless transition grounded in business continuity and institutional knowledge. Taking the helm on 1 June 2026, Fini brings a customer-first philosophy forged through extensive hands-on operational experience. Currently serving as Vice President of Digital Solutions and Service North America, he has been a member of the KraussMaffei Corporation leadership team since 2022.

Fini’s background includes leading large, multidisciplinary teams, strengthening service and aftermarket capabilities and driving gains in operational performance, employee engagement and financial results. Prior to joining KraussMaffei, he held roles at Rehrig Pacific Company, a California-based family-owned plastics manufacturer and longtime KraussMaffei customer, where he improved operations across multiple manufacturing sites. A New York native, Fini holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Brett Greenhalgh

Greenhalgh said, "I am grateful for my time at KraussMaffei and for the collaboration with such a dedicated team in the US and internationally. Stepping back and giving my life a new direction has not been an easy decision. But I look forward to serving our church community together with my wife Janice. As a teenager, I participated in a similar project that profoundly shaped my life and values. Now I want to give others the same opportunity to experience something similar. The next three years abroad will be an exciting and rewarding time for both of us."

Alex Li, CEO, KraussMaffei Group, said, “We thank Brett for his exceptional dedication and strategic foresight. Thanks to the early identification of John Fini as an internal successor, we can ensure seamless continuity in serving our customers with the reliability and quality they expect. The strong collaboration between our US and European teams has been instrumental in advancing KMC’s success, and this partnership will remain a key pillar of our future development. While we regret Brett`s decision to step down, we fully respect and support his choice to pursue a personal mission close to his heart. We wish Brett and his wife all the very best for the years ahead.”

Fini said, “KraussMaffei’s success has always been driven by its people, its technology and its customers. I’m honoured to lead this organisation and build on the strong foundation our teams have created together. I would like to thank Brett Greenhalgh for the coaching, guidance and support as part of a thoughtful, long-term leadership transition designed to ensure continuity and sustained growth.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

LAUGFS Corporation (Rubber) Ltd, a prominent Sri Lankan manufacturer and exporter of high-quality industrial solid tyres, has announced a significant leadership transition, naming Chinthaka Wegapitiya to the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Wegapitiya’s ascent to this top executive position follows a tenure within the company where he previously held the responsibilities of General Manager and Chief Operating Officer. His background is rooted in deep expertise across both operational management and long-term strategic planning, providing a strong foundation for his new mandate.

In his current capacity, Wegapitiya is entrusted with the comprehensive leadership of the organisation’s strategic direction, tasked with steering the company towards an expanded global presence while working to increase its competitive market share. His purview encompasses the oversight of sophisticated, high-tech manufacturing operations, with a particular focus on the production of premium solid tyres.

Beyond operations, he is responsible for directing international marketing initiatives and strengthening the company’s brand identity in competitive global markets. Innovation also falls under his leadership, driving research and development efforts to create advanced engineering solutions and tailor products to precise customer specifications, all while championing sustainability initiatives within the global rubber export industry.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!