Retread tyres in Malaysia are unfairly blamed for road accidents. While the tyres enjoy a pristine reputation in export markets, the notoriety within the local market stems from the lack of ability to differentiate them from low-cost and low-quality tyres that fail to comply with performance standards owing to overloading, maintenance and misapplication.

A total of 1.35 million lives are lost each year in road accidents, according to data from the Ministry of Transport Malaysia. Another data set from Statista highlighted that the South Asian country witnessed 545,000 road accidents in 2022, an increase from the previous year data of 370,000.

A large portion of these accidents involve commercial vehicles and the blame is also shared by retread tyres. A recent news report highlighted rising concerns within the Malaysian parliament to ban the use of retread tyres of commercial vehicles citing safety norms.

The situation seems ironic as the Malaysian retread industry enjoys a pristine reputation in export markets. Yet, the notoriety of retread tyres on home turf might be seen as ‘collateral damage’.

Speaking to Tyre Trends exclusively on why retread tyres remain a scapegoat for road accidents, Tyre Retreading Manufacturers Association of Malaysia (TRMAM) President Edmund Wong said, “Retread tyres are often unfairly blamed for road accidents because the public struggles to differentiate them from low-cost, low-quality tyres that fail due to poor maintenance, overloading and misapplication. Many people mistakenly associate tyre debris, especially when it reveals exposed steel cords, with retreads. However, this type of failure is more commonly linked to cheap, substandard tyres rather than retreads, which, when properly maintained and used correctly, can be as safe as new tyres. The focus on retreads allows the real issues such as inadequate tyres maintenance and overloading to remain overlooked.”

IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY

Malaysia has a higher road fatality rate compared to ASEAN peers like Singapore, largely due to motorcycle-related deaths, which make up over 65 percent of fatalities.

Malaysia’s road safety goals have reportedly fallen short despite setting out clear targets. In 2014, the government aspired to reduce road fatalities by 50 percent by 2020 as part of its alignment with United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. The initiative was a failure and the same target was reiterated in Malaysia Road Safety Plan 2022-2030.

Current figures also raise questions over the supposed success of the target. Commenting on ways that could make the reduction target a reality, Wong noted, “To reduce road fatalities by 50 percent by 2030, Malaysia should enforce traffic laws strictly, including penalties for speeding and disobeying traffic lights, while expanding automated systems like speed and red-light cameras. Enhancing road infrastructure with safety audits, smart technology and dedicated motorcycle lanes is essential.”

“Malaysia can adopt best practices, such as dedicated motorcycle lanes, public education campaigns and improved road infrastructure, while learning from Singapore’s success in enforcement, infrastructure and safety culture. Public awareness campaigns should target risky behaviours including running red lights and promote defensive driving. Protecting vulnerable road users, especially motorcyclists and pedestrians, through improved infrastructure and safety regulations is also crucial,” he added.

Alluding to why stringent safety campaigns or regulatory measures are not undertaken to reduce motorbike fatalities, he noted, “The lack of stringent safety campaigns or regulatory measures targeting motorbike users in Malaysia is due to several factors. Firstly, motorbikes are a vital mode of transport for many due to affordability and accessibility, especially in rural areas, making stricter regulations politically sensitive. Secondly, enforcement of existing laws such as helmet use and licensing is inconsistent, particularly in rural regions, allowing unsafe practices to persist. Thirdly, cultural factors like risk-taking behaviour, resistance to change and low awareness of safety risks hinder the adoption of safer practices. Lastly, limited resources, both financial and infrastructural, result in insufficient investment in targeted campaigns and dedicated motorcycle lanes, leaving riders vulnerable.”

CLOSING GAPS

Wong iterated that to improve road safety and support the retreading industry in Malaysia, several regulatory gaps and enforcement lapses need to be addressed. One significant issue is the inconsistent enforcement of tyre standards, especially for imported new tyres.

While Malaysia requires that imported tyres have certifications like the E-mark, DOT or MS, these standards can sometimes fail to verify the genuineness and reliability of the tyres, leading to concerns about the quality and safety of some imports. This lack of stringent checks on tyres authenticity puts road users at risk and undermines confidence in tyre safety.

Additionally, there is a gap in regulations requiring regular tyre maintenance checks, particularly for retread tyres. Without mandatory inspections for tread depth, pressure and overall tyre condition, vehicles, especially commercial fleets, are at higher risk of tyre-related accidents.

Another issue is the weak enforcement of penalties for overloading and the misapplication of tyres such as using retreads in unsuitable conditions. Overloading vehicles puts excessive stress on tyres, increasing the likelihood of tyre failure, and stricter penalties are needed to deter this dangerous practice.

There is limited education on the benefits of retreads and how to use them safely, which affects their acceptance and proper usage. Implementing campaigns that highlight the safety, environmental and economic benefits of retreads could help improve perceptions and encourage safer practices.

Moreover, government procurement policies should prioritise retread tyres for public transportation fleets, encouraging their use across sectors and providing a market boost to the retreading industry.

Lastly, there is a lack of clear regulations on tyre end-of-life management including guidelines for recycling and disposal. Establishing clear regulations for the responsible management of worn-out tyre, including retreads, would support the circular economy and further promote the sustainability of the retreading industry.

Addressing these regulatory gaps and enforcement lapses would not only improve road safety but also foster the growth of a reliable, safe and sustainable retreading industry in Malaysia.

REPUTATION REVIVAL

The shadow of malignance over the local retread industry is daunting, especially considering its stellar reputation abroad. A methodical plan is urgently needed to change the prevailing perception.

Commenting on how the industry can leverage its foreign reputation to promote retreads domestically, Wong explained, “Malaysia can leverage its reputation in the global retreading industry to promote retreads domestically by focusing on education, policy support and sustainability initiatives.”

“Firstly, educating the public about the benefits of retreads, such as safety, environmental advantages and cost-effectiveness, can shift perceptions. Secondly, incentivising businesses to adopt retread tyres would not only increase its usage but also align with sustainability practices. Retreads significantly reduce waste by reusing tyre casings, contributing to lower carbon footprints and less landfill waste. Offering tax breaks, rebates or financial incentives to businesses that adopt retreads can encourage the adoption of this eco-friendly practice, benefiting both companies and the environment,” he added.

He also noted that Malaysia has a well-established certification system with Malaysian Standard 224 (MS 224), which sets high-quality standards for retread tyres. This national standard ensures that domestically produced retreads meet rigorous safety and quality requirements, reinforcing consumer confidence and helping local manufacturers maintain global competitiveness. By promoting this certification and its benefits, Malaysia can further build trust in its retreading industry and drive domestic demand for high-quality retreads.

He also noted that partnerships with universities, research institutions and organisations such as the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) could play a pivotal role in establishing Malaysia as a hub for innovation in tyre retreading. These collaborations would enable research and development focused on improving the quality, safety and efficiency of retread tyre, which could enhance their appeal domestically and internationally.

“The Malaysian Rubber Board has extensive expertise in rubber technology and the development of new rubber compounds, which are crucial for retreading. By working with these organisations, Malaysia could explore advanced rubber materials and improve the durability and performance of retread tyres. MRB’s research could focus on optimising the rubber used in tyre retreading, enhancing its resilience and performance under various road conditions, thus improving the overall safety of retreads. Universities and research institutions bring additional expertise in materials science, engineering and sustainability and can help address any technical gaps in the retreading process. They could collaborate with retreading companies, fleet operators and tyre manufacturers to develop new retreading technologies, better tyre monitoring systems and more efficient processes,” explained Wong.

He added, “These partnerships could also produce credible, science-backed data on the reliability and safety of retread tyre, helping to build public trust and dispel misconceptions about retreads.”

FILLING DATA GAPS

The lack of local data to validate the reliability and safety of both retread and new tyres in Malaysia stems from several key factors, according to Wong.

“Primarily, there is a significant gap in research due to the lack of collaboration between tyre manufacturers, retreaders, fleet operators, research institutions and government agencies. Without cooperation among these stakeholders, there is little incentive or infrastructure to collect and analyse tyre failure data in the local context. This leads to a situation where tyre failure research is outdated or non-existent, leaving the industry to rely on studies from other countries such as US, which may be many years old and not reflective of current tyre technology or local conditions,” noted Wong.

He added, “This problem is not unique to Malaysia; many countries face similar challenges in gathering and sharing tyre-related data. For example, tyre debris reports and studies on tyre failures tend to be infrequent and may not accurately capture the complexities of modern tyre usage, road conditions or fleet operations. To address this gap, a collaborative effort among different stakeholders, both local and international, could be instrumental.”

Collaborations could fund and conduct comprehensive studies on tyres performance under local conditions. By sharing data and expertise, these stakeholders can develop a more accurate understanding of the causes of tyre failures, improve maintenance practices and promote better safety standards for both new and retread tyres.

Additionally, international partnerships could allow for access to global tyre failure databases and new research, enabling Malaysia to adopt best practices from countries like US, Japan or the EU, where more tyre safety research is available.

Establishing a framework for ongoing research and data sharing with regular updates and reports would help fill the data gap and improve tyre safety standards locally. This collaborative approach could ultimately lead to the development of localised tyre safety standards, improved regulations and more informed decision-making by all stakeholders involved.

NEW LEARNING

According to Wong, Malaysia can learn important lessons from countries like Japan and UK, where retread tyres are promoted effectively for their cost-efficiency and environmental benefits. Both Japan and the UK have robust local manufacturing industries for new, high-quality tyres, which ensure a consistent supply of durable tyre casings for retreading.

This industrial advantage helps protect the respective retreading industries by ensuring the availability of reliable casings that meet safety and performance requirements. Japan enforces stringent standards for both new and retread tyres through the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) such as JIS D 4202, which defines specifications for automobile tyres. These regulations ensure high-quality tyre production and maintenance, supporting a thriving retreading ecosystem.

Similarly, UK relies on the ‘E’ mark certification system, which aligns with European safety and performance regulations. The ‘E’ mark, prominently displayed on compliant tyres, indicates that a tyre has undergone rigorous testing and meets safety standards. This harmonised approach in UK ensures that only certified-quality tyres are used, reducing risks and building trust in retread tyres.

In Malaysia, the absence of a local new tyre manufacturing industry for trucks presents a challenge. The reliance on imported new tyres, coupled with the fact that Malaysia’s new tyre standard (MS 1394) is not compulsory, allows low-cost and lower-quality imports to flood the market.

These tyres often produce casings unsuitable for retreading, which undermines the retreading industry. To address these issues, Malaysia could make MS 1394 mandatory for new tyres, ensuring better-quality casings and fostering trust in retreads.

Additionally, promoting awareness of retreads’ economic and environmental benefits, strengthening enforcement of Malaysian Standard 224 (MS 224) for retread quality and offering incentives for their adoption could help the industry grow.

Technology, such as tyre monitoring systems, can play a significant role in addressing concerns about retread tyres and improving road safety. These systems provide real-time data on tyre pressure, temperature, tread depth and overall tyre health, helping to ensure that all tyres, including retreads, are properly maintained.

By monitoring tyre performance, these systems can detect early signs of wear, overloading or misapplication, reducing the risk of tyre failure. This not only enhances the safety of retread tyre but also helps prevent accidents caused by poor tyre maintenance or low-quality tyres, leading to a change in perception.

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Continental has named Ashok Vedanayagam as Head of Commercial Specialty Tires Americas, a move underscoring the company's dedication to growth and customer service across its speciality tyre operations. In this capacity, Vedanayagam will manage the Earthmoving, Material Handling and Port Operations segments throughout North and South America.

He will direct every facet of the CST business in the region, advancing Continental's push to provide inventive tyre solutions and superior value to customers working in the challenging material handling, earthmoving and port settings.

With over 20 years of experience, Vedanayagam has served in numerous leadership roles spanning both the Commercial Truck Tire and Passenger and Light Truck Tire divisions, where he has consistently propelled growth, reinforced customer relationships and promoted market-driven approaches across various regions. The appointment reflects Continental's resolve to serve Americas customers through innovative products, sector knowledge and a sharp emphasis on operational excellence.

Renato Sarzano, Senior Vice President, Commercial Tires Americas, Continental, said, “Ashok’s extensive experience in sales, marketing and international business leadership makes him exceptionally well qualified for this role. His proven ability to build strong customer relationships, develop high-performing teams and deliver results across both consumer and commercial markets will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our Commercial Specialty Tires business throughout the Americas.”

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SI Group has named Marcello Boldrini as its new Chief Executive Officer, with the appointment taking effect on 19 October 2026. He will take over from David Bradley, who has held the President and Chief Executive Officer role since 2019. The company is a global developer and manufacturer of performance additives, process solutions and chemical intermediates.

Boldrini arrives with over 30 years of leadership experience in speciality chemicals and materials, having worked across Europe, Asia and the Americas. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Kraton Corporation, a Houston-based global speciality chemicals company. At Kraton, he drove growth and transformation efforts, including establishing a Transformation Office that delivered more than USD 100 million in annual EBITDA improvements. His earlier career included senior leadership positions at Houghton International, Momentive/Hexion and Ashland.

Based at SI Group's headquarters in The Woodlands, Texas, Boldrini resides in the Houston area. The leadership team will collaborate closely with him to sustain a strong emphasis on safety, operational performance and customer commitments. Customers, suppliers and other business partners are expected to continue working through their existing SI Group contacts.

Daryl Roberts, member of the SI Group Board of Directors, said, “We are pleased to welcome Marcello Boldrini as SI Group’s next CEO. Marcello brings significant experience in the global speciality chemicals industry and a strong track record of leading growth, transformation and operational improvement. His experience and perspective will serve SI Group well as we continue to strengthen our performance, serve our customers and execute our priorities.”

Boldrini said, “I am honoured to join SI Group as CEO and look forward to working with our employees, customers and partners. My initial focus will be on listening and learning, spending time with our teams and customers and collaborating with the leadership team to build on SI Group’s strengths and set clear priorities for the business. Safe and reliable operations, disciplined execution and delivering value for our customers will remain at the centre of our work.”

Shawn Abrams, member of SI Group’s Board of Directors, said, “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank David Bradley for his leadership and many contributions to SI Group. David led SI Group through significant change and some of the most challenging conditions our industry has faced. During his tenure, the company successfully completed its 2025 recapitalisation, strengthening SI Group’s financial position and providing greater flexibility for the future. We are grateful for David’s commitment to SI Group and its people, and we wish him continued success.”

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As Europe’s commercial vehicle industry moves towards electrification, alternative fuels and tighter sustainability requirements, Hankook Tire is pinning its growth strategy on being closer to the customers.

The South Korean tyre maker is beginning Truck & Bus Radial (TBR) production in Europe while developing longer-lasting products and flexible fleet services as it seeks further growth in the region.

In an exclusive interaction with Tyre Trends on the sidelines of IAA Transportation 2026, Richard Bezzant, Marketing Director – Truck & Bus at Hankook Tire Europe, said the company is not merely reacting to market shifts but actively pursuing growth.

He described a strategy centred on matching product development with the evolving requirements of transport fleets, including lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), digital solutions, regulatory compliance and higher fuel efficiency. For this, the Korean tyre maker is starting production closer to customers and offer services designed to support higher vehicle uptime.

According to Bezzant, Europe already accounts for around 45 percent of Hankook’s global revenue, making the region an important growth market rather than simply a mature market to defend.

LOCALISING PRODUCTION

One of the clearest expressions of this strategy is Hankook’s TBR tyre production in Europe. The company is investing about EUR 540 million in TBR line at its Rácalmás facility in Hungary, which currently produces PCR tyres. The first set of commercial products is expected to begin production from October.

“Our response to that trend in Europe specifically is the new production line that we are opening at the beginning of October to start producing TBR tyres in Europe. It is about bringing products closer to our customers, reducing supply chain delays and making it more sustainable because the less distance travelled in logistics, the better it is for our customers,” Bezzant explained.

With the new line, the company will have a production capacity of more than 800,000 units of TBR per year, according to Bezzant. The production is significant for Hankook as it seeks to increase its presence in Europe’s commercial vehicle tyre market while making greater use of locally produced tyres.

To begin with, it will focus on 22.5-inch tyres for trucks and buses. The plan is to increase capacity and add further specifications as they are approved.

The strategy also reflects the changing requirements of commercial vehicle manufacturers and fleets. As powertrain technologies evolve, tyre manufacturers need to respond to different vehicle characteristics, including changes in weight, axle loads, torque delivery and efficiency requirements.

DESIGNING FOR THE CHANGING TRUCK

Electrification and alternative fuels were among the most visible themes at IAA Transportation 2026, according to Bezzant. While battery-electric vehicles are gaining ground in several applications, the transition is not following a single path across all commercial vehicle segments or markets.

“At IAA, the most visible trend you see is electrification and alternative fuel. That’s the first thing you notice in trucks and buses, among others. It is important for us to follow the trend and make sure we produce the right products to meet the needs of those vehicles and customers,” he said.

The powertrain mix will ultimately be shaped by vehicle manufacturers and the operating requirements of individual applications. Bezzant said Hankook’s role is to support those developments through tyre technology.

“Those things are going to be led by the OEMs. Our role as a tyre manufacturer is to support what those vehicles need and to support the way that power is going to be delivered to the road, the additional weight and loads that they might need to carry. We will follow those OEM partners in the direction to support them in where they need,” he averred.

The transition is already more visible in some bus applications, particularly where municipal procurement is accelerating the adoption of electric buses. Truck applications, meanwhile, continue to involve a broader mix of powertrain technologies.

For tyre manufacturers, this creates a requirement to balance durability, load-carrying capability, rolling resistance and overall efficiency as vehicle architectures evolve.

That balance is also becoming increasingly important as fleets face greater pressure to reduce operating costs and environmental impact. For Hankook, longer tyre life remains a central part of that proposition.

“The fundamental first part is about the longer the tyre stays on the vehicle, the better for the environment. And that is a core piece of Hankook’s value proposition to our customer. We pride ourselves on very strong performance in mileage,” Bezzant said.

The company is also developing products aimed at improving rolling resistance without compromising mileage performance. For fleets, the objective is to combine tyre longevity with vehicle efficiency and lower total cost of ownership.

SMART FLEX COMPLETES REGIONAL-TRANSPORT LINEUP

The company used IAA Transportation to present the world premiere of its Smart Flex TH51 trailer tyre, completing its Smart Flex tyre line for regional-distance transport alongside the Smart Flex AH51 for the steering axle and Smart Flex DH51 for the drive axle.

Compared with its predecessor, the TH51 is designed around the requirements of high mileage and low rolling resistance. At launch, Hankook will offer the tyre in 385/65 R22.5, with the tyre carrying the 3PMSF certification mark for use in winter conditions and as part of a year-round application strategy.

Richard Bezzant, Marketing Director – Truck & Bus at Hankook Tire Europe

The TH51 is intended for single-axle applications on semi-trailers and trailers. Its tread, the company said, is designed as a key element of the tyre’s performance strategy, using concealed grooves manufactured through 3D-printed tread moulds.

The design is intended to progressively reveal additional tread features as the tyre wears. When approximately 40 percent of the tread has worn, interlocking 3D sipes are revealed to increase tread-block rigidity and support grip. At around 70 percent wear, additional concealed grooves become exposed to support wet grip. By around 90 percent wear, the concealed grooves are fully exposed, with Hankook positioning the design as a means of maintaining performance towards the end of the tyre’s service life.

The tread combines zigzag grooves with drainage grooves and channels. The zigzag grooves are designed to provide grip, counter irregular wear and support water evacuation under changing road and weather conditions. Water is channelled through the drainage grooves and discharged through the drainage channels.

The product therefore links several of the requirements highlighted by Bezzant – mileage, rolling resistance, grip and efficiency – in a single trailer application. Rather than being a standalone launch, the TH51 illustrates how Hankook is applying its product-development strategy to different axle positions within regional transport.

As regulatory attention increases on tyre abrasion and other non-exhaust emissions, the ability to deliver longer service life and improved efficiency is likely to become increasingly relevant to tyre selection.

EXPANSION AMID COMPETITION

Hankook’s investment comes at a time when the global tyre industry is seeing continued competitive pressure, capacity adjustments and increasing participation from manufacturers from emerging markets.

Against this backdrop, Bezzant described Hankook’s approach as expansionary. “For us, it’s much more growth-oriented,” he stated.

The company has also expanded its TBR manufacturing footprint in the United States and is targeting growth in both North America and Europe.

“We’re growing in both the United States and in Europe across the board. Europe represents 45 percent of our global revenue in total, and this year we are seeing growth, substantial growth. We witnessed good growth last year and next year too we expect the same,” he explained.

The additional European production capacity will therefore need to be absorbed through increased sales, with Hankook looking to build demand across both replacement and OE channels.

Responding to what is next for the tyre maker, Bezzant said that the company will now focus on consuming the additional capacity within its global production, especially with the new TBR tyre production starting in Europe.

The company’s approach to growing competition from Chinese tyre manufacturers in Europe is similarly pragmatic. Rather than viewing new entrants purely as a threat, Bezzant sees potential benefits if products are manufactured locally and meet the quality, sustainability and performance requirements of European fleets.

He said the European market benefits from a broad choice of products, while local production can make it easier for customers to access tyres and manage supply.

Bezzant also highlighted the importance of sustainability and retreadability as the market develops. For fleet operators, the ability to maximise tyre life and support multiple lives through retreading can contribute to both operating efficiency and resource efficiency.

REBUILDING OE PARTNERSHIP

Hankook is also looking to strengthen its original equipment presence in European truck applications.

“In Europe today, in OE truck, we are just restarting that business. So today we are not an OE supplier as it stands now,” Bezzant said.

While Hankook is rebuilding its European truck OE presence, the company has established relationships with trailer manufacturers including Schmitz Cargobull, Wielton and Fruehauf.

The company’s strategy extends beyond the tyre itself, with fleet services becoming an increasingly important part of its offering.

FLEXIBLE FLEET SERVICES

Hankook already operates its Smart Fleet offering in the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany. The model is designed to give fleets flexibility in selecting the services they require across different markets.

“It’s almost like an à la carte menu. A customer can say, ‘I need breakdown service across Europe’, or ‘I only need it in one country’. We will provide a platform to manage authorisations and billing,” Bezzant explained.

The Hankook Smart Solution authorisation and tyre management platform can be combined with the Smart Partner Network, which provides contracted services. The objective is to help fleets reduce downtime, maintain vehicle availability and gain greater control over tyre-related expenditure.

For fleets operating across multiple countries or through several distributors, such a model can simplify tyre management while allowing operators to select services according to their individual requirements.

As Bezzant puts it, the underlying strategy is straightforward: get closer to the customer, understand how commercial vehicles are changing and build the products, production footprint and services around those requirements.

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Bridgestone has named Jacques Fourie as President, Canada, a newly created position underscoring the market’s strategic value to the company. Operating from Mississauga, he will oversee Canadian strategy, commercial activities and long-term growth, with full end-to-end accountability.

The dedicated in-country leadership structure is intended to accelerate decision-making, improve coordination and bring the business closer to customers and teammates. Bridgestone said the role reinforces its commitment to stronger leadership and accountability across Canada.

Fourie joined Bridgestone in 2019 and most recently led its Africa Middle East region from Dubai. He previously spent 15 years at Cummins in finance, sales, operations and executive roles, including leading Cummins Rocky Mountain. He holds an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Pretoria.

Robert Johnson, Group President, North America, Bridgestone West, said, “Canada is an important market for Bridgestone, with strong potential for continued growth. Jacques brings extensive international leadership experience, a strong customer focus and a proven ability to build successful businesses and teams. His understanding of the North American market makes him well positioned to lead our Canadian business and strengthen the value we deliver to our customers across the country.”

Fourie said, “Canada is a dynamic and strategically important market with significant opportunities ahead. I am honoured to take on this role and look forward to working closely with our customers, partners and teammates across the country. Together, we will build on the strengths of the Canadian business, deepen our customer relationships and position Bridgestone for sustainable, long-term growth.”

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