Every five years is the main path of crisis in the tyre industry and it begins to change the following year, the third year in a row, in which the stage of another bottleneck is initiated! These trends prevailed during the periods 2013, 2008 and 2003. Global risks accelerated in 2018 as the United States and China fought harder for trade and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit reduced car sales in Europe, UK, India, China and parts of South America. The effects of the pandemic later hit the world during an ongoing crisis. All of them have led a multidimensional recession that will lower tyre sales. Few of the older Goodyear and Bridgestone factories closed during the last crisis years in 2013 and 2018. However, production facilities in Eastern Europe were very functional during those years.
In fact, every change in the global economy affects related industries, suppliers and third parties in chain reactions. What is the real spark that makes Eastern Europe the center of attention? Is it globalisation or tariffs and labeling that were introduced to prevent Far East companies attacking the European market? Both have shown effects in recent years. Game changes accelerated after the Trump administration. Many industries in China, including tyre manufacturers, have suffered the effects of trade struggles.
Tariffs and labeling that were introduced to prevent Far East companies attacking the European market are so far effective after years.
At the end of 2017, there were around 600 tyre factories in China. After a year, only 450 of them survived. Many more are expected to close by the end of 2020. Only 200 of them are expected to remain under a dozen parent brands, which means China's tyre factories are at the forefront of the competition in terms of price and quality. What if manufacturers of economical tyres in Eastern Europe did not exist today? The demand supply chain would potentially work for Chinese brands. The active period of closed factories would be postponed by a few years. But one day they might fail in the competition.
The European tyre production threatened by the destocking of distributors in 2012 and the big fives remain in a situation of closure of old and less profitable factories in 2013.
When we come to the 2010s, the nature of the tyre market in Eastern Europe began to differentiate from mainstream Europe. In year 2012, when the market size was around 300 million, 10% fewer tyres were sold in Europe compared to 2011. In contrast, the market share of cheaper import tyres reached 25 percent in those years. However, the tyre market in Poland and the Czech Republic grew, which was on the opposite side. The European tyre production threatened by the destocking of distributors, and the big fives remain in a situation of closure of old and less profitable factories in 2013. At the same time, high-efficiency factories in Romania, Hungary and Turkey had started to operate to produce cheap and high-value tyres.
Since the beginning of 2000, Eastern Europe has become attractive for foreign investment with the development of infrastructure and decisive administrative and legislative changes
Why is Eastern Europe becoming a hub for the tyre industry? The answer behind must be referenced both within mainland and eastern Europe and the global tyre market… We must respect the goodwill of Eastern European countries for national prosperity. Since the beginning of 2000, Eastern Europe has become attractive for foreign investment with the development of infrastructure and decisive administrative and legislative changes. They have become more transparent for large capitals.
Eastern Europe Annual sales of passengers and light vehicles cover 20% of the European market having a healthy growth of around 5% over the past 10 years. Eastern Europe has more construction activity related to the consumption of commercial tyres. Michelin and Bridgestone started early in Hungary. Nexen in Check Republic and Chinese tyre factory Linlong in Serbia started operations in 2019 and 2020. South Korean Hankook has opened a new factory in Check Republic. The positive development trend will continue in Eastern Europe.
The tyre market in Eastern Europe will potentially remain the hub of the European tyre industry, despite the various negative market effects.
The year 2020 has started with the pandemic effect. The rapid decline in demand for tyres reached 40% in various markets, as well as a 50% drop in new car registrations. Total sales are expected to remain under pressure until mid-2022. In the worst case, the industry will be restructured and the saturation time will cost more. For low efficiency systems, however, the life will not be easy. We can hear plant closures and startups from different countries. Among all these developments, the favorable environment existing in the tyre factories of Eastern Europe will remain the same.
On the other hand, the demand for cost-driven tyres from auto manufacturers will create an atmosphere for low-cost OEM brand manufacturers. New car registration will remain in higher figures in Eastern Europe compared to major European countries. All these effects give the tyre market in Eastern Europe a head start. Therefore, the tyre market in Eastern Europe will potentially remain the hub of the European tyre industry.
EU legislatives will be more deterministic for their further determination of direct foreign investments in Eastern Europe.
The European automotive tyre market generates sales of around $ 20 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% during the 2019-2024 period before the pandemic. The expansion of the automotive industry so far is a major determinant of the European automotive tyre market which has worked well for Eastern Europe to be a developing region. One country after another has joined the EU in recent years. In addition, their growing expenditure per capita supports the high standard of living of consumers. Each entry shows us that they are more ready for further industrialization, including the tyre industry, and the decline of the tyre market remains limited in Eastern Europe.
Tyre manufacturers such as Trelleborg, Mitas and Apollo-Vredestein, which are already based in Eastern Europe and have facilities, have the potential to catch up with marketing and manufacturing volume opportunities in segments where the Big 5 has been in the past or does not want to participate directly. The impact of Chinese and Korean manufacturers on the tyre industry in Eastern Europe will continue for investments. However, EU legislatives will be more deterministic for their further existence.
KraussMaffei Names Ren To Lead Extrusion Unit Alongside China Role
- By TT News
- September 08, 2026
KraussMaffei has appointed Xinting Ren as Managing Director of its extrusion business, effective 1 September, 2026, combining the role with his existing leadership of the group’s China operations.
Ren succeeds Ralf Benack, who left the company at his own request on 31st August , ending a tenure of about two years.
The company said the dual appointment is intended to strengthen integration between its extrusion activities and international operations.
Ren has led KraussMaffei China for the past three years, overseeing cross-technology activities in the Chinese market. Before joining the group, he held several management roles in the chemical industry, including Assistant General Manager at KraussMaffei Company Limited, now operating as Sinochem Equipment Technology Qingdao Co., and most recently served as general manager of Shanxi China Coal Pingshuo Energy Chemical Co., Ltd.
Benack took over leadership of KraussMaffei Extrusion in 2024 and was responsible for the group’s global extrusion business. During his tenure, the company focused on operational processes and customer orientation, reducing delivery times and further developing the Technology Center at its Laatzen site.
The facility now offers 26 pilot lines for development and customer projects, and the company said it also expanded its extrusion technology portfolio.
From September, responsibility for the extrusion business and management of the China business will be combined under Ren’s leadership.
Nokian Tyres Launches Summer Tyre With Top EU Label Ratings Across Range
- By TT News
- September 08, 2026
Nokian Tyres plc has introduced a new premium summer tyre, the Powerproof E, designed for Central and Southern European markets, with A-class ratings in all three European Union tyre label categories across its full range.
The company said the tyre achieves top grades for rolling resistance, wet grip and external rolling noise, reflecting a development approach aimed at balancing efficiency, safety and comfort within a single product.
“Whether the priority is maximizing range and efficiency or achieving confidence and comfort in wet conditions, drivers should not have to compromise on safety. The new Nokian Tyres Powerproof E is designed to deliver outstanding performance in the areas that matter most to drivers,” said Tommi Alhola, Senior Vice-President for Passenger Car tyres in Central Europe.
Samu Lepistö, development manager at the company, added: “Achieving A-class ratings in all three EU tire label categories across the entire range is a significant result. These characteristics are all important to today's drivers yet improving one can often affect another. Nokian Tyres Powerproof E was developed to deliver balanced performance across all three areas.”
The tyre incorporates what the company calls Motion Control Technology, combining tread design, compound development and structural engineering to support efficiency and wet-weather performance.
Depending on size, between 40.9 percent and 42.8 percent of the tyre’s material content consists of recycled and renewable inputs, including rice husk ash, recycled carbon black and recycled steel.
Production takes place at the group’s factory in Oradea, Romania, which opened in 2024 and operates with zero direct carbon dioxide emissions, powered by renewable energy.
The Powerproof E is designed for passenger cars, sport utility vehicles and crossover vehicles, including electric, hybrid and internal combustion models. It will be available in sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches for the 2027 summer season in Central and Southern Europe.
Frank Buntinx Takes Helm As Managing Director Of Continental Tire Canada
- By TT News
- September 08, 2026
Continental Tire Canada has appointed Frank Buntinx as its new Managing Director, effective 17 August 2026. In this executive capacity, he assumes comprehensive oversight of the organisation’s entire Canadian tyre portfolio, which encompasses passenger and light truck vehicles, commercial truck lines and specialised tyre segments. His leadership will guide the strategic direction and operational performance across these diverse business units.
A native of Belgium, Buntinx brings over two decades of tenure with Continental, having commenced his career there in 2003 within logistics and supply chain management. Over the years, he has accumulated a broad commercial skillset through successive roles in marketing, pricing strategy, business analytics, fleet operations and sales. His professional trajectory later elevated him to senior leadership positions in the Benelux region, where he directed marketing efforts and subsequently headed Fleet Solutions and Truck Tires, thereby acquiring multifaceted management expertise.
This transatlantic appointment signifies a pivotal career transition for Buntinx, offering him the chance to infuse the Canadian market with an international vantage point. His arrival is anticipated to bolster Continental’s regional presence, leveraging his extensive cross-functional background to navigate the complexities of the domestic tyre industry and drive organisational growth.
“I am truly excited to join Continental Tire Canada and begin this new chapter. Continental has built a strong business and reputation in the Canadian market, and I look forward to working alongside our talented team to build on that success, strengthening Continental's position while supporting the growth and success of our customers,” said Buntinx.
Dunlop To Exit Karting Tyre Segment By 2027
- By TT News
- September 07, 2026
Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., which operates the Dunlop brand, will discontinue the supply of karting tyres by the end of 2027 as part of a strategic review of its business and allocation of management resources.
The company said it would continue supplying products to existing customers until December 31, 2027.
Dunlop has produced karting tyres since 1976, supplying products homologated by the Commission Internationale de Karting-FIA (CIK-FIA), under the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, as well as tyres accredited by the Japan Automobile Federation.
The company said its products had supported a wide range of users, from recreational drivers to young drivers aiming to compete at higher levels, and had contributed to the development of karting participation.
It added that the decision followed a review of its medium- to long-term management strategy and changes in the business environment.
The group said it would continue to contribute to motorsport activities, while expressing appreciation to customers and organisations that had supported its karting tyre business.
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