The European Parliament has approved the revision of tyre labelling regulations six years after it was introduced. ‘This now depends on extraordinary efforts from the institutions to develop the EPREL’s tyre application in a timely manner and industry to implement it effectively. We all want this regulation to succeed in improving the market uptake of those tyres performing at the highest safety and environmental standards,” Fazilet Cinaralp, Secretary General of the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA), tells Tyre Trends

"The European tyre industry is fully committed to the Tyre Labelling Regulation and its success,” says Fazilet Cinaralp, Secretary General of the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA). The revision, which is currently being done, comes six years after the initial regulation and collaboration between industry and the European Institutions. It promotes industry innovation and benefits consumers by increasing consumer awareness of the label and strengthening market surveillance and enforcement in the EU Member States.

To ensure its success, ETRMA supports the timely development and sufficient lead-time of all pieces of the revision, particularly the European Product Database for Energy Labelling (EPREL). The publicly available database registering tyre performance is important in strengthening the information chain between tyre manufacturers and authorities and improving market surveillance. However, the EPREL’s tyre application still needs to be developed.

“The industry has concerns that there might not be enough time to ensure a smooth transition to this new system amidst an already challenging environment that deals with these new requirements,” Fazilet Cinaralp told Tyre Trends.

The revision foresees the database to be completed before the final adoption of the proposal to allow for a smooth and orderly implementation of the regulation by 1 May 2021. Industry will need to upload information into the database about the tyres to be placed on the market.

“This now depends on extraordinary efforts from the institutions to develop the EPREL’s tyre application in a timely manner and industry to implement it effectively. We all want this regulation to succeed in improving the market uptake of those tyres performing at the highest safety and environmental standards,” she added.

Committed to emerging from the public health crisis even stronger than before, the industry stands ready to cooperate with EU Institutions to make this possible and looks forward to consumers using this updated tool to inform their choices towards tyres with the best safety and environmental performance.

The industry remains fully committed to work towards the European Green Deal, seeks to prioritize in partnership with the authorities the initiatives to achieve climate neutrality and digital transition, and requests a supportive and reasonable timing to the overall changing regulatory framework.

Shared commitment

This collaboration builds on a shared commitment to the European Green Deal, without compromising the important role tyres play in road safety and mobility, nor the tyre industry’s ability to innovate and remain competitive.
To this end, ETRMA calls for speeding up the regulatory work on smart mobility to enable new digital transportation services and tyre data solutions as an opportunity for economic recovery and sustainable development. A lack of timely, comprehensive regulation may cause market failures with regard to technology adoption, platform interoperability and unjustified barriers to competition.

ETRMA has been supporting tyre industry investments in sustainable consumption and production by fostering market demand for products aligned with EU environmental objectives and targets. This includes incentives for private consumers and public authorities to choose tyres and services with the best safety and environmental performance as indicated by the new tyre label regulation, or contributing to circular economy ambitions, as the truck and bus retreaded tyres do.

The association has also been supporting remanufacturing models and the development of secondary raw materials through harmonised EU end-of-waste criteria to include products derived from end-of-life tyres and also strengthening market surveillance and enforcement of EU trade agreements with third countries while supporting the role of Europe as an exporter by setting an ambitious trade agenda and championing fair and free trade.

ETRMA and its members look forward to cooperating in a constructive spirit with the future Chief Trade Enforcement Officer; Increasing research and innovation funding to decarbonise the transport sector through a holistic approach to climate-neutral road transport within the Horizon Europe framework, which ETRMA and its members believe will be a key contribution to the success of the European Green Deal.

“Over the last few months, ETRMA’s member companies joined the fight against the virus, taking all measures to protect their employees and communities by following government recommendations to prevent infections and providing safe working conditions. The industry also supported the organizations and people on the frontlines by supplying free tyres and personal protective equipment, “ said Cinaralp.

The European tyre industry ready to work side-by-side with the European Institutions on a COVID-19 policy response that ensures public health, minimises economic impact, and maintains focus on the overarching objectives of the time, decarbonising and digitalising the economy. The current crisis has created societal and economic impacts and due to the pandemic containment measures throughout Europe, operational delays in the current work on the regulatory framework, in the public and private sectors.

“We continue to work closely with authorities to further stimulate and support a successful economic recovery. But this is the biggest challenge our industry has ever faced and a full recovery is still far away. While we saw a slight upward trend in sales at the end of the second quarter as European countries eased their lockdowns, the coming months will show us whether this trend holds. The situation remains fragile and unpredictable.”

“Being a global industry, the recovery of the tyre sector is not just dependent on Europe’s situation but how other parts of the world and global trade routes continue to be impacted by and address the pandemic. For the moment, we can only hope the market stabilizes in the second half of the year but our outlook for 2020 remains bleak,” Cinaralp said.

END

 

Anshuman Singhania, Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries, has been awarded the 'CEO of the Year' by the Top Rankers Management Club. The accolade was presented at the 25th National Management Summit, held in New Delhi on 23 August 2025.

The award recognises Singhania’s exceptional leadership and strategic vision, which have been pivotal in steering the company toward sustained growth and innovation. Under his guidance, JK Tyre has reinforced its position as a leader in radial tyre technology, expanded its global presence and strengthened its dedication to sustainability and customer focus.

In his acceptance speech, Singhania expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am honoured to receive this recognition from the Top Rankers Management Club. This award reflects the collective commitment of the entire JK Tyre team, whose efforts continue to drive our progress. I would like to thank my colleagues, industry partners and stakeholders for their unwavering support in our journey of growth and transformation.”

He has been a key figure in modernising the company, leveraging new technologies and expanding its presence in both domestic and international markets. The 'CEO of the Year' award, presented by the Top Rankers Management Club, celebrates leaders who demonstrate a clear vision for organisational excellence and industry transformation.

Hana Technologies, Inc. (Hana RFID) has strengthened its leadership in the Asian market with the appointment of industry veteran Jason Chang as Sales Director for Asia. Based in Shanghai, he will be responsible for managing key customer relationships and driving strategic growth throughout the region.

Chang brings a wealth of relevant experience to the role, with over 15 years in the RFID sector following a successful career in IT. His proven track record includes significant tenures at leading firms like Xerafy, Stora Enso and Beontag. His accomplishments range from pioneering the development of innovative flexible anti-metal tags to launching groundbreaking RFID-based retail solutions that gained widespread adoption in China and Europe. He has also demonstrated a strong capacity for growth, most recently achieving remarkable business expansion in the APAC market.

This appointment is a strategic milestone for Hana RFID, underscoring its commitment to supporting global customers with high-performance technology and expert, on-the-ground leadership. This move highlights Hana RFID's focused strategy on deepening its regional support and providing partners with sophisticated RAIN RFID inlay and embeddable tag solutions, backed by local expertise.

Mike Hetric, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Hana RFID, said, “The appointment of Jason Chang is a significant step forward in improving local availability and supporting our key partners in Asia. Jason’s track record in driving innovation, his deep market knowledge and his commitment to customer success will be invaluable as we expand our footprint in this dynamic region.”

Chang said, “I’m excited to be part of the Hana RFID team, which is recognised in the market as both a key player and a trusted partner for an ever-growing network of label converters, service bureaus and system integrators. I look forward to working alongside our partners in Asia to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service.”

Ralson Tire North America (RTNA) has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of two seasoned tyre industry professionals.

As per the new development, Billy Dorsey Jr has been appointed as Vice President of Sales – South and Jamie McSwaney has been appointed as Vice President of Sales – North. Both the new appointments bring a combined 45 years of tyre industry experience to the company.

Brian Sheehey, President, RTNA, said, “These additions signal our unwavering commitment to accelerating Ralson’s growth in the US and Canada. We’re building a leadership team that knows how to compete, win and deliver results. Their deep industry relationships and ability to execute will be instrumental as we continue to grow our footprint in the North American trucking industry.”

Scandinavian tyre service provider Citira sees robust potential for premium tyres in the Nordic region, driven by seasonal demands and safety priorities. CEO David Boman highlights that premium tyres including Pirelli’s offerings hold a significant share in passenger car, light truck and truck tyre segments supported by harsh winter conditions that emphasise performance and reliability. Despite a slight recent decline amid broader economic pressures and rising price sensitivity, premium brands remain relevant. Citira’s new long-term partnership with Pirelli and acquisition of Dackia AB aims to consolidate and optimise premium tyre distribution across Sweden.

Scandinavian tyre service company Citira recently told Tyre Trends that Nordic countries have excellent potential for premium tyres during a discussion over its partnership with Italian tyre major Pirelli.

Speaking on the market potential, Chief Executive Officer David Boman said, “When it comes to the Nordic markets, Scandinavia in particular has a relatively high share of premium tyres across categories including passenger car, light truck and TBR segments. Compared to other global regions, the demand for premium tyres here is notably strong.

“One of the main reasons for this is the seasonal nature of our market. Winter tyres, in particular, drive a more premium-oriented approach because of the need for high performance and safety under harsh conditions. While we’ve observed a slight decline in the premium tyre share over the past few years, it still holds a significant portion of the market. This demand is closely tied to seasonal safety concerns, especially in winter, autumn and early spring. Drivers here prioritise safety and reliability, which naturally supports the continued relevance of premium brands like Pirelli.”

He noted that the decline is likely tied to broader financial challenges in the market, especially following the Covid period. Both consumers and companies have become more price-sensitive, making cost a bigger factor in purchase decisions.

As a result, there’s been a gradual increase in demand for lower-cost, imported non-European tyre brands, while the market share of European premium tyre brands has slightly decreased.

Pirelli and Citira have entered a long-term strategic partnership aimed at enhancing their market presence in Sweden. As part of the deal, Citira will acquire Dackia AB that has a network of 102 retail outlets from Pirelli.

In return, Pirelli and Dackia have signed a supply agreement extending to 2030, ensuring Pirelli remains the main tyre supplier. The transaction, pending regulatory approval, is expected to close by 2025. The partnership will boost Pirelli’s distribution and market coverage while supporting Citira’s goal of expanding a sustainable, flexible and high-quality customer service network.

THE PACT

Citira currently runs over 50 tyre shops and over five retreading units across Scandinavia and Poland. “Citira is actively working towards creating a more efficient and consolidated tyre market. While our current focus is primarily on the Scandinavian region, it’s not out of the question that we may consider expanding beyond this geographic perimeter in the future. This agreement is part of a broader industry trend where partnerships and acquisitions are used to enhance efficiency, strengthen distribution networks and provide end customers with better service coverage,” revealed Boman.

Nonetheless, the deal specifically pertains to the Swedish market, and as part of the regulatory process, Citira has conducted a market analysis to understand the potential implications on market share. However, the specifics of that study were said to be confidential and could not be disclosed prior to the official closing of the deal.

Explaining how this partnership will influence the supply chain of premium tyre in the Nordics, Boman said, “We do anticipate some changes, particularly within Citira. We operate a number of logistics centres, and this partnership presents an opportunity to optimise our overall supply chain setup. Enhancing logistics will be a key enabler of better service and responsiveness in premium tyre distribution.”

He added, “This particular deal is unlikely to have a direct or immediate impact on independent retailers or smaller distributors. More broadly, the Scandinavian tyre retail sector is undergoing consolidation. Several players are actively reshaping the competitive landscape and that trend could gradually influence the positioning of independents. But again, this specific acquisition is not a disruptive event in that context.”

Alluding to the current demand for replacement tyres, he said, “In general, the tyre market has proven to be quite non-cyclical. Even in challenging economic conditions, it tends to remain stable. That said, I believe we’re entering a phase where circularity and life-extension solutions will gain more momentum. We’re likely to see increased focus on services that extend tyre life, especially for larger fleets. This shift won’t just be driven by cost or fleet uptime concerns but increasingly by environmental responsibilities.”

THE BUSINESS

According to Boman, Pirelli represents a very minimal share of Citira’s overall sales, currently. However, the strategic partnership mainly revolves around Dackia and Pirelli, and the former is intended to become part of the Citira Group. “Moving forward, there is definitely an opportunity to deepen the collaboration with Pirelli and potentially grow their share within our overall brand mix,” added Boman.

Citira currently follows a multi-brand strategy and will continue with it even after closing of the deal. Besides, it is also involved in process and sales of retreaded TBR tyres and wheel rims.

“We operate a facility in Poland where we refurbish truck and bus rims. The process involves media blasting and repainting the rims to restore its appearance and functionality. The logic behind it is quite similar to retreading. In most cases, the structural integrity of the rim is still intact; it’s just the surface or aesthetics that degrade over time. By restoring these rims, we’re able to extend the life and reduce waste,” said Boman.

The company operates five retreading facilities collectively, located in Finland, Sweden and Poland. It uses both hot-cure and cold-cure retreading methods. Hot-cure is used in Poland and cold retreading in Finland and Sweden. Annually, it retreads around 160,000 tyres, averaging about 13,000 per month. While its current focus is on retreading, Citira is actively exploring expansion into tyre recycling as part of a broader push towards sustainability and circularity.

The company also manages tyre distribution for fleets across countries. Its circular tyre distribution approach involves not only delivering new tyres to customers but also collecting used tyre casings from them. These casings are then sent back to its retreading facilities, creating a closed-loop system. Besides, Citira has different suppliers across Europe for sourcing tyres for retreading.

MARKET WATCH

Citira sees a strong willingness in the market for consolidation and it has already engaged in several partnerships. Commenting on market challenges, Boman said, “One key challenge is the need for a player capable of driving consolidation at a larger scale. In the Scandinavian markets, this kind of brand-independent consolidation hasn’t really taken place over the last 10 to 15 years. Previously, consolidation efforts were primarily led by tyre manufacturers or affiliate networks players. However, consolidation has largely been on hold recently, leaving space for an independent actor to step in. We see that opportunity clearly and believe it is well received both by other market participants and customers. The challenge lies in successfully executing this consolidation while maintaining trust and delivering value across a diverse market.”

Commenting on the demand for retreading, he said, “The Scandinavian market has a long tradition of retreading heavy vehicle tyres. Currently, there is a growing shift towards pay-per-kilometre or tyre-as-a-service models, especially among large fleets like bus companies and hauliers. Notably, public tenders increasingly require a certain share of retreaded tyres, reflecting a strong environmental focus. Retreading extends the life of a tyre by reusing about 70 percent of its original material, making it a significant sustainability tool. The market share of retreaded tyres is gradually increasing with expectations that the retread market will grow faster than the new tyre market in the coming years.”

“The main challenges for the retreading industry lie in overcoming the longstanding perception that retreaded tyres are merely a low-cost option rather than an environmentally friendly and sustainable product. This is mostly prevalent is Scandinavia and it is crucial to shift this mindset by educating customers and the broader market about the true benefits of retreading. Moving away from a purely price-driven sales approach to one that highlights quality, durability and positive environmental impact remains a significant hurdle for the industry,” he added.