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.

The European replacement tyre market displayed mixed signals in the first quarter of 2025, with consumer tyres growing modestly while truck and agricultural segments contracted, according to data released by the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA).

Consumer tyre sales grew 3 percent in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, continuing the recovery observed in the second half of 2024. The all-seasons segment emerged as the standout performer with a robust 14 percent growth, whilst winter tyres rose 5 percent. Summer tyres declined by 3 percent.

"In Consumer tyres, the recovery observed in the second half of 2024 (+8 percent) has continued in the first quarter of 2025. Volumes were close to those reached in the first quarter of 2019, before the impact of the pandemic," said Adam McCarthy, ETRMA's Secretary General.

The truck tyre segment, however, showed weakness with a 4 percent decline compared to Q1 2024 and remains 11 percent below pre-pandemic levels. Agricultural tyres mirrored this downward trend with a 4 percent reduction, whilst motorcycle and scooter tyres grew 7 percent against what the association described as "a relatively weak first quarter of 2024".

McCarthy attributed the truck segment's poor performance to "economic and political uncertainties" affecting the market.

The data reveals a striking trend in tyre imports, with passenger car and light truck tyre imports into Europe surging 12 percent in the first two months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This follows a 17 percent increase in 2024, with Chinese imports up 18 percent, Korean imports up 30 percent, and Indian imports up 34 percent.

Industry analysts suggest this import surge reflects both consumer cost pressures and production challenges facing European manufacturers.

"Pressure on household budgets has increased demand for low-cost imports whilst European tyre production costs, particularly for energy, have increased at a faster pace than in other regions," the ETRMA report noted.

In a separate trend, truck and bus tyre imports from outside Europe grew 8 percent in early 2025, with ASEAN countries now representing over 60 percent of imported volumes. Vietnam's share has grown significantly, accounting for over a quarter of imports in the period.

The association also highlighted that despite significant changes in mobility patterns, with car traffic yet to fully recover from pandemic lows, the total light vehicle fleet in Europe grew by 1.4 percent in 2024, adding more than 4 million vehicles. Light commercial vehicles showed stronger growth, driven by e-commerce and last-mile delivery expansion.

The report estimates that nearly 4.5 million tonnes of used tyres were generated across Europe in 2024, with only about 600,000 tonnes reused or retreaded.

Ralson Tire North America (RTNA) has made some strategic changes in its top management with an aim to strengthen its foundation for the future. The company has promoted Mark Roe to Vice President of Sales for the company. Roe previously served as Vice President – Sales (West) for the company. Apart from this, Christy Neito has been promoted to the role of Business Manager for RTNA.

According to the company, Roe will work closely with all RTNA sales managers to assign roles and coordinate execution, which will improve performance and focus throughout RTNA.

Neito has over 20 years of expertise in operational administration, bookkeeping and office management. She joined RTNA in 2023. Neito will be in charge of banking and accounting coordination, cash management, compliance and administrative assistance for HR services as part of her enlarged duties.

RTNA Senior Vice President Brian Sheehey, said, “Mark brings over three decades of rich experience in domestic and regional sales within the tyre industry and has been an integral part of RTNA since 2024. His deep industry expertise and leadership will be key drivers in strengthening our sales organisation.”

“Christy’s expertise and collaborative approach will be pivotal as we scale operations. We are confident that these changes will further propel RTNA’s growth trajectory and strengthen our foundations for the future,” added Sheehey.

Hyderabad-based manufacturer targets 2 million monthly units within five years

In recent years, Hyderabad-based ARL Tyres has proven to be a versatile and innovative player with ambitious strategic goals. From providing specialised rubber items to the Indian military to creating innovative solutions for the emerging electric vehicle segment, ARL Tyres has shown remarkable resilience since its inception as a family enterprise in 1983.

With production levels now crossing 150,000 units per month and ambitious goals to reach two million units per month in five years, ARL is placing itself at the cusp of conventional industrial manufacturing and future mobility solutions. Its recent appearance at the Ride Asia EV Expo showcased the company’s wide range of products and its dedication to supporting India’s developing transportation infrastructure with niche products such as Smart Tyres and terrain-specific Mud Master range.

Hyderabad-based ARL Tyres, a division of Agarwal Rubber Limited, recently showcased its products, including tyres and tubes, at the Ride Asia EV Expo held at Bharat Mandapam this year. The company has established itself as a trusted partner for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. It offers a comprehensive range of products, including tyres for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs). It is also known for manufacturing Smart Tyres.

Growth Plans

The types of tyres being produced at this company include those for ultra-light trucks, two-wheelers, forklifts, tractors and light trucks. The company manufactures approximately 12,000 tyres daily at its production facility, selling across different areas of the country due to a 400-strong network of exclusive dealers.

According to Gautam Ghosh, Head-West Zone at ARL Tyres, “We are very optimistic about tyre sales in 2025 as there is tremendous potential in the EV sector. So far, in 2025, we have been averaging close to 150,000 units per month. Expect us to touch 0.2 to 0.25 million units a month by the end of this year.”

Continuing the expansion plan, the company intends to touch at least two million monthly units in five years. This growth is supported by its extensive network of exclusive dealers distributed across various regions of India.

Technical Expertise and Manufacturing Capabilities

In 2000, ARL Tyres gathered in-depth knowledge about all the major tyre technologies, manufacturing processes and industry standards. Apart from tyres, this ISO 9001:2015-certified company is also known for manufacturing high-quality flaps, envelopes, curing bags, bladders and butyl tubes.

Today, the company boasts an ultra-modern tube manufacturing unit that produces roughly 50,000 high-grade butyl rubber automotive tubes. While the range begins with two-wheeler sizes, it also extends to the aviation and OTR (Off-The-Road) sectors

Defence Sector Connection

Since 1996, ARL’s technical expertise in rubber has enabled it to supply tubes to the Indian defence sector. The durability and performance of its products have made ARL a preferred OEM supplier for the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited), and HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited).

Products for E3W Segment

For the electric three-wheeler market, which includes auto-rickshaws (passenger and commercial) and e-rickshaws, ARL offers both tube-type and tubeless tyres in sizes 4.00-12 and 4.50-12. The company markets two brands for this vehicle category: the Savera and the Xtreme.

According to the company, individuals should choose the Savera for its performance, safety, and durability on urban and semi-urban roads. Its non-skid Depth (NSD) ranges from 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm, which gives it good grip and safety. It would be useful as a passenger and cargo tyre.

On the other hand, ARL Xtreme is a tube-type tyre that optimises long-lasting performance, grip and safety on various roads. It differs from the Savera in terms of design and safety. Unlike the Savera, an NSD of 9mm is available here. Engineers at ARL have created a stylish design for the Xtreme that balances aesthetics and functionality with advanced technology.

Global Reach and Partnerships

Beyond the domestic market, ARL exports its products to more than 60 countries worldwide. Over the years, ARL Tyres has forged a few partnerships with top brands and continues to do so. For example, the company partnered with Chandu Champion, cheered India at the Paris Olympics through its ‘Jeet ki Aur’ campaign, and sponsored RCB during IPL 2025.

Innovative Offerings

Among its unique propositions, ARL offers OEM test drives with new tyres at specific locations, allowing auto manufacturers to fine-tune vehicle designs according to tyres and provide targeted inputs. It also sells Smart Tyres with scientific tread designs for efficient movement. The cross sipes on these tyres differ greatly from regular tyres and help grip wet and muddy surfaces. Instead of relying on vehicle technologies, these tyres are themselves available with real-time monitoring capabilities.

Company History and Client Base

ARL was founded as a family business in 1983 and became a tyre manufacturing company. Mobility companies such as Maa Luxmi India and Ferranza Electric Vehicle Private Limited, which were present at the Ride Asia Expo EV, are clients of ARL, as are the OEM manufacturers Omaha, Arel and Yakuza. While ARL’s trials for the Thukral Electric Bike have already commenced, the dispatches have not yet begun.

The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has promoted Stella Mathioudaki to Director, Product Stewardship & Sustainability of the association.

Mathioudaki has a PhD in Physics – Materials Science from Université de Namur and has been associated with ETRMA since November 2023, working in the capacity of Senior Manager – Materials Stewardship. Before joining ETRMA, she worked as Senior Chemicals Policy Consultant at Acumen Public Affairs. Mathioudaki will spearhead important projects on tyre sustainability, including recycling, retreading and the wider shift to a circular economy, in addition to supervising the industry's efforts on responsible material usage and regulatory compliance in her new position at ETRMA.