The global tyre industry’s top manufacturers and technology suppliers met at the Tire Technology Expo 2025 in Hannover on 4-6 March to unveil technologies focused on driving sustainability, digitalisation and road safety. At the Deutsche Messe, the exhibition featured advances in tyre engineering, materials science and manufacturing technologies that will define mobility in the future.

In opening the event, expo founder Tony Robinson called on manufacturers to close the knowledge gap with consumers, highlighting how most drivers undervalue the importance of tyres in ensuring a vehicle’s safety. He mentioned that safety rests on the four small ‘footprints’ of rubber linking a car to the road, which tends to be undervalued by the general driver.

Looking to the future, Robinson saw a day when tyres contain sensors that share real-time information with other cars and roadside infrastructure. These sensors could warn drivers of dangerous road conditions like flooding or new potholes, making roads safer and avoiding crashes. He predicted that information from tyres could also feed into weather forecasting services, providing useful real-time information on road conditions.

The exhibition floor showcased innovation and high-performance solutions from more than 240 exhibitors, with Bekaert, Rockwell Automation, VMI Group, HF Group, ARP Technologies, Synthos, Nynas, Schill+Seilacher “Struktol” GmbH, Kordsa, Black Donuts and others.

SUSTAINABILITY AND MATERIAL INNOVATION TAKE CENTRE STAGE

The expo also reflected the tyre industry’s growing focus on sustainability, with manufacturers launching new materials and processes to lower environmental impact. Bekaert launched its Mega Tensile reinforcement technology, a major innovation in its Elyta range. The technology enables tyre manufacturers to produce up to 20 percent less steel and 10 percent less rubber compound in belt plies, achieving a 2-4 percent drop in rolling resistance and a huge 15-20 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions per tyre.

Kordsa introduced its REV Technologies, which are specifically tailored to electric vehicle tyres. The company’s innovations include recycled PET (rPET) cord fabric and RFID tyre tags, enabling improved lifecycle monitoring and data collection. Kordsa expects to enhance sustainability and recycling practices by combining digital identification with tyre production.

Teijin Aramid featured its Twaron para-aramid reinforcement, a material that can manufacture lighter tyres with reduced rolling resistance and eventually lower emissions.

EV AND DIGITAL INNOVATION LEAD DISCUSSIONS

As the electric vehicle (EV) market grows, tyre makers focus on creating solutions specific to the special needs of EVs and autonomous vehicles. Continental Tires unveiled an overall sustainability strategy, emphasising the environmental impact of tyres throughout their life cycle. The firm detailed plans to incorporate more sustainable raw materials, minimise waste during production and enhance tyre durability.

Michelin’s Director of Standards and Regulations for Connected Mobility, Claire Fioretti, outlined the company’s efforts around Digital Product Passports (DPP), a major initiative within the (ESPR). The regulation, enacted in 2024, aims to increase supply chain transparency by mandating that products carry a permanent, readable identifier usable throughout their life cycle. Michelin is already testing the programme in various industries, such as textiles, electronics and automotive components, with the cooperation of French, German and Swedish stakeholders.

The ESPR system, Fioretti characterised as an ‘ambitious information system’, will enable the maker, the recycler and the buyer to make environmentally informed decisions. She stressed that the movement is not so much about compliance as a transition towards the principles of the circular economy. By 2027, by the time broad adoption of the ESPR sets in, product design may improve, recycling efficiency will be elevated and buyers’ confidence will be boosted in second-hand markets.

MANUFACTURING INNOVATION AND AI TECHNOLOGY

The event showcased the latest digital manufacturing solutions to enhance efficiency, lower waste and better quality control. Rockwell Automation launched AI-driven tools to optimise tyre production, including digital thread technologies for tracking data without interruption through various manufacturing processes.

Black Donuts launched its Digital Twin Tyre Plant Simulation, a cutting-edge real-time virtual modelling tool that aids manufacturers in minimising downtime and optimising production. The company’s methodology involves end-to-end finite element analysis, enabling accurate tyre performance simulations before production.

HF dominated the manufacturing technology market with its state-of-the-art electric tyre curing presses. The company illustrated how its new electric curing technology could be applied to new and retrofit installations to minimise energy consumption and enhance process efficiency. Fischer TireTech exhibited computerised cord-cutting lines and premium extrusion technologies aimed at increasing accuracy in tyre production.

Uzer Makina launched a high-end electric tyre curing press focused on energy efficiency and precision production. ARP Technologies showcased its Electromagnetic Heating (EMH) curing system, a more energy-efficient curing process, alongside an artificial intelligence-based inspection machine that can spot tiny defects with great accuracy.

KraussMaffei featured its multiplex extrusion technology, which enhances first-time production quality and eliminates material bleeding during tyre formation. The company showed a new head clamping technology that maximises channel cleaning effectiveness, further expanding the limits of green manufacturing.

REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Regulatory matters were on the agenda at the expo, with leading experts discussing the changing scene for tyre production and green compliance. Adam McCarthy, Secretary General of the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA), gave a definitive overview of recent European Commission regulatory interventions impacting the sector.

A specific session on Tyre and Road Wear Particles (TRWP) collaborated with industry experts from Bridgestone, Continental and Michelin, as well as leading research institutions, to address the implications of future Euro 7 regulations. It was centred around reducing tyre wear’s environmental footprint without compromising performance levels.

FUTURE OUTLOOK AND INDUSTRY COLLABORATION

During the three-day conference, experts worldwide exchanged information, delved into future technologies and worked on crafting the mobility of the future. The event highlighted reducing carbon footprint, improving safety and customising solutions for future electric and self-driving cars.

The next edition will be held on 3 and 4 March 2026.

TIRE TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL AWARDS FOR INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE

A key highlight of the event was the prestigious Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence 2025. Recognising achievements across 12 categories, the awards celebrate the latest advancements in tyre technology, progress towards a more sustainable industry and the outstanding contributions of individuals driving innovation. This year’s winners are as follows:

Goodyear bagged Environmental Achievement of the Year – Tire Design for its ElectricDrive Sustainable- Material (EDS) tyre.

Continental was awarded the Environmental Achievement of the Year – Manufacturing award for its CO2-neutral tyre production at the Lousado plant in Portugal.

Nokian Tyres won the Environmental Achievement – Industry Contribution award for its inauguration of the world’s first full-scale tyre factory with zero CO₂ emissions in Oradea, Romania.

Bekaert received the Materials Innovation of the Year award for its next-generation reinforcement solution, Mega Tensile.

Sumitomo Rubber Industries won the R&D Breakthrough of the Year award for its Active Tread technology.

VMI was awarded for Tire Manufacturing Innovation of the Year award for its integrated quality monitoring for the MAXX and MILEXX platforms.

ARP Technologies was selected as Industry Supplier of the Year for its many innovations in the tyre curing sector.

Bridgestone bagged Tire Concept of the Year for its Lunar concept tyre.

Michelin was awarded Tire of the Year for its Primacy 5 tyre.

Continental won the Tire Manufacturer of the Year award for the fourth time, acknowledging the scale and breadth of the company’s achievements over the last year.

Two further awards were also given for individual achievements in the industry:

Katerina Filzer, a PhD student at Twente University in the Netherlands, was awarded the 2025 Young Scientist Award for her presentation, ‘An Innovative  Method to Incorporate a Devulcanization Aid into Rubber’.

Anke Blume, head of elastomer technology and engineering at the University of Twente, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to the tyre industry.

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.

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."

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.

Mumbai-headquartered rubber chemicals manufacturer NOCIL has announced capacity enhancement at its Dahej plant with an additional capital infusion of INR 1.3 billion, largely funded through internal accruals. The new investment is expected to be completed by H1 FY2028.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the company’s release of its financial results for Q1 FY2027, with revenue growing 20 percent YoY to INR 4.03 billion. It attributed the revenue growth to increased selling prices of input costs.

On the other hand, improved operating efficiency and inventory gains saw EBITDA margin rise by 210 basis points to reach 11.2 percent, while net profit grew by 61 percent to INR 280 million.

The volumes grew by 9 percent on the back of robust demand in the domestic market, following the GST 2.0 bonanza, while exports continue to see smart uptick. 

The capacity enhancement at Dahej is primarily focused on expanding volumes for peak-utilisation rubber chemical products, through an integrated, backwards-integrated facility. The new investment builds on the earlier announced CAPEX outline of INR 2.5 billion already underway, wherein trial production has already commenced.

V S Anand, Managing Director, NOCIL, said, “Our performance this quarter reflects consistent execution across both our domestic and export businesses in a challenging environment. Beyond the numbers, we are equally focused on building for the future, Our expanded investment at Dahej reinforces our commitment to structured capacity augmentation, backward integration and long-term competitiveness in a market that is increasingly looking to India as a reliable manufacturing partner.”