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.

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Agricultural machinery specialist Emyr Evans marked four decades in business by restoring the first new tractor it ever sold. The Massey Ferguson 3065, originally purchased in late December 1995 for New Year delivery, has been beautifully brought back to life. It now rides on the latest MICHELIN AgriBib 2 tyres, supplied and fitted by Saracens, a trusted partner and part of the Michelin Quality Centre network. The tyres fitted are 340/85 R24 on the front and 420/85 R34 on the rear.

Emyr Evans founded the company with his wife Gwenda in 1986, starting with used tractors before becoming a Massey Ferguson dealer for Anglesey and Gwynedd in 1996 from their base in Gaerwen. By 2002, their territory had expanded to cover all of North Wales to the Cheshire border, prompting the opening of a second depot in Denbigh. Over the years, the business has grown by adding major franchises including JCB, Fendt, McHale, Pottinger and Bailey. Today, their sons Gwynedd and Berwyn manage the two depots.

The restored tractor is a significant piece of the company’s history, representing the last of Massey Ferguson’s 3000 series of versatile mid-range tractors. It was originally sold to a farmer in Anglesey and had worked there ever since. Despite its coastal location near the Irish Sea, it remained in working order but required dedicated care and attention.

The choice of modern Michelin tyres highlights the evolution in agricultural technology. The current AgriBib 2, with its improved tread pattern featuring 45-degree lugs, offers enhanced traction, durability and a higher load index to cope with the increasing weight of modern machinery. Comparing it to the Bib’X M18 from the 1990s illustrates this progress. For example, a 16.9 R34 Bib’X M18 carried a maximum load of 2,060 kg at 40 kmph, while the equivalent AgriBib 2 now carries 3,075 kg, an increase of over a tonne per tyre.

The restored Massey Ferguson 3065 is being showcased along with a collection of vintage tractors at the company’s 40th Anniversary Open Days (11 and 12 March) at their Denbigh depot on the Colomendy Industrial Estate.

Berwyn Evans, Director at the business, said, “The tractor was sold to a farmer in Anglesey and has been working there ever since. Due to the location by the Irish Sea, it needed some TLC but was still in working order. As the tractor is now 30 years old, it’s been a challenge tracking down replacement parts but a worthwhile one. When it came to fitting new tyres to this special tractor, the only choice was Michelin, which is king in the agricultural world.”

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Bridgestone Central Europe has announced leadership changes effective 1 March 2026, with Francesco Landolfo stepping into the role of Business Unit Director Commercial CER. He will oversee operations across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Landolfo takes over from Christoph Frost, who guided the commercial division for eight years and was instrumental in embedding the company’s premium approach throughout the region. Frost transitions to a new capacity as Director of Retread Business for Bridgestone EMEA, where he will manage the Bandag retreading enterprise across Europe.

Christoph Frost, Director Retread Business Bridgestone EMEA.

Waqqas Ahmad, Vice President Commercial Europe, highlighted that these moves are vital for advancing the premium strategy in Central Europe and within the retread sector. He noted that both individuals possess the necessary expertise and forward-thinking mindset to deepen client connections and reinforce the brand’s upmarket standing

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Omni United has announced the appointment of Dr Mika Lahtinen as Associate Vice-President for Raw Materials and Compounding. The appointment is intended to internalise expert-led design and performance for the rubber compounds used in the company’s flagship brand, Radar Tires.

Dr Lahtinen joins the Singapore-headquartered firm with over 20 years of experience in tyre material innovation. He previously led material development at Nokian Tyres and managed global technology for tyre oils at Nynas, operating across Finland, Sweden and Singapore.

He holds a PhD in Polymer Materials Technology, and at Omni United, he will be involved in the development of materials and compounds, as well as collaboration with global suppliers to advance the company's tyre technology.

The move is designed to provide the manufacturer with direct control over the chemical engineering of its products. Omni United, founded in 2003, markets a range of consumer and commercial tyres under brands including Radar Tires, Patriot Tires and RoadLux.

Omni United sells products in more than 50 countries. Its primary brand, Radar Tires, has been manufactured as a carbon-neutral product since 2013. The integration of in-house compounding expertise is expected to support the company's commitment to innovation and logistics solutions within the global automotive sector.

In an statement the company stated, ‘Bringing Mika’s expertise in-house is a strong addition to our team. It allows us to take a more direct, expert-led approach to the design and performance of Radar Tires’ rubber compounds. With over 20 years in tyre material innovation, Mika has an extensive background in developing breakthrough materials, developing cutting-edge compounds, and collaborating with global suppliers to advance tyre technology.’

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Continental has further strengthened its foothold in the electric mobility sector, with its original equipment tyres now featured on the 10 highest-volume electric vehicle manufacturers in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region for 2025. This achievement highlights the tyremaker’s strategic commitment to the expanding e-mobility market. Worldwide, the Hannover-based company supplies tyres to 17 of the 20 largest electric vehicle producers, including a mix of premium and volume brands such as BYD, Volkswagen, Stellantis, BMW, NIO, Hyundai and Renault. In the Americas, Continental currently equips eight of the top 10 manufacturers, while in the Asia Pacific region – the most dynamic market – it supplies seven of the top 10. The Chinese market remains especially fluid, with new high-volume players emerging in the rankings over the past year.

Electric vehicles impose distinct demands on tyres. Their heavier weight, due to large batteries, and the instant torque delivered during acceleration contribute to increased tyre wear. Moreover, because these vehicles operate more quietly than traditional combustion-engine cars, tyre rolling noise becomes more perceptible. Continental anticipated these challenges early, focusing on developing tyres with low rolling resistance, reduced noise and long mileage, regardless of the powertrain. The company introduced its first energy-efficient tyre line in 1993 with the ContiEcoContact, and the latest iteration, the EcoContact 7, is now available.

This new model incorporates aerodynamic enhancements, including a golf ball-inspired ‘aerodimple’ structure on the sidewalls, which minimises air turbulence and improves energy efficiency. Such features make it well-suited for both electric and conventional vehicles. Global electric vehicle sales continue to rise, with the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research projecting a 23 percent increase in battery-electric vehicle sales for 2025, reaching 12.7 million units. The Asia-Pacific region, led by China, remains the dominant market with double-digit growth, while Europe follows as the second largest. North America saw registrations hold steady at 1.4 million vehicles.

Dennis Bellmund, responsible for the global original equipment business at Continental Tires, said, “The EMEA region confirms the success of our strategy. We began designing our passenger tyres for low rolling resistance, quiet rolling noise and high load capacity very early on. These properties are especially important for electric vehicles.”

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