In an interview with Tyre Trends, Markus Winter, Director of Marketing and Sales at Kokusai Europe, and Kazuhiro Murauchi, Vice President and Head of Engineering at Kokusai Headquarter, share insightful perspectives on the fast-changing reality of tyre testing. With regulatory demands increasing and car technologies developing, Winter shares how the industry responds to new challenges presented by electric vehicles, tighter emission requirements and shifting consumer demands. With Kokusai manufacturing around 130 tyre test machines every year, Winter presents a special point of view regarding the technological advancements and market forces that are determining the future of tyre development and testing practices.

Every nook and cranny within tyre markets across the globe, big or small, is echoing a confluence of old and new practices in the age of new mobility. Attempts to constantly derive upcoming trends are massively influencing stakeholders within the tyre ecosystem as they mull over operational shifts for meeting future demands. The intricate world of tyre testing is also attuning itself to such changes to deliver a seamless transition to end users as progress unfolds.

Markus Winter, Director – Marketing and Sales, Kokusai Europe, contended that tyre testing has surged in recent times as emission norms become stricter and manufacturers methodically formulate new compounds to develop tyres for new-age vehicles.

“Over the past five to 10 years, tyre testing has undergone significant changes driven by regulatory pressures and evolving consumer expectations. In Europe, automotive manufacturers have prioritised high-speed uniformity testing to enhance ride comfort,” noted Winter while speaking exclusively to Tyre Trends.

“Simultaneously, there has been a strong industry-wide push towards improving wet grip, not only for new tyres but also for worn ones. More recently, with the introduction of Euro 7 regulations, the spotlight has turned to wear testing. The emphasis is on minimising microplastic emissions and fine dust particles, aligning with broader environmental and health concerns. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, tyre manufacturers are expected to invest further in wear-reduction technologies, shaping the next phase of innovation in the industry,” he said.

The Japan-headquartered company that produces around 130 tyre testing machines each year believes that Euro 7 regulations will impose stringent limits on wear particle emissions, leading to a major shake-up within the global tyre industry.

The new rules, targeting a 30 percent reduction in particulate emissions, could disqualify a substantial number of current tyre models from original equipment (OE) fitment on new vehicles. While exact figures remain uncertain, industry estimates suggest that up to 50 percent of existing tyre types may be phased out, with some projections even higher. This has placed immense pressure on manufacturers to accelerate testing and compliance efforts.

The initial response from tyre makers will likely focus on outdoor testing, given its simplicity. However, there is growing consensus that standardised drum testing will be essential for consistent evaluation. Over the next one to three years, demand for advanced wear testing solutions is expected to surge, creating significant business opportunities for testing providers.

At the same time, the industry is closely monitoring regulatory discussions and standardisation efforts as test methodologies continue to evolve. Regional differences are evident with Japanese and European manufacturers prioritising distinct approaches to compliance.

While no dedicated testing equipment for wear particle emissions exists yet, there is increasing interest in integrating sensors and analytical systems into existing tyre wear testing frameworks.

As regulations tighten, companies positioned at the forefront of wear testing innovation will be well-placed to capitalise on the shifting market dynamics.

SHIFTING DYNAMICS

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is fundamentally reshaping the tyre testing industry. With EVs requiring bigger, heavier tyres and delivering significantly higher torque, testing methodologies must adapt to these changing dynamics.

“With EVs demanding bigger, heavier tyres and generating higher torque, the industry must adapt. Our testing concepts are divided into two key areas including force and moment testing, which accounts for the torque and velocity changes and endurance testing such as tyre wear assessments. While high torque isn’t a requirement for endurance testing, these machines must still meet rigorous performance standards,” noted Winter.

Another major transformation is the accelerated development cycle of new tyres. Previously, a single tyre model would take six months to a year to develop, but manufacturers are now introducing new models every three months. Each iteration features different materials, tread designs and wear characteristics, increasing the need for highly flexible and efficient testing solutions. “This shift creates a greater demand for flexible, high-throughput testing solutions. We’ve opened a technical centre in Tokyo, where manufacturers can evaluate new tyre designs and test methods in real time,” informed Murauchi.

Smart tyre technology is also influencing the testing landscape. According to the executive, tyre testing involved manually recording data such as temperature, pressure and wear characteristics in the past. Today, with the integration of tyre pressure monitoring system sensors and RFID tracking, data collection is becoming increasingly automated. These advancements allow for real-time analysis and improved accuracy in performance evaluations. Although not all tyres currently include RFID technology, the trend is clearly moving towards fully automated data integration.

High-speed uniformity testing is another area undergoing transition. “Demand for this type of testing peaked several years ago, particularly for performance and luxury vehicles. However, as EVs continue to grow heavier, the impact of uniformity variations at high speeds has diminished. A vehicle that is 500–800 kg heavier places less emphasis on tyre uniformity, making it less of a critical factor for the driver. Despite this trend, high-speed uniformity testing remains essential in laboratory settings, where it provides valuable insights into braking performance, torque application and wet grip. While production-line high-speed testing has seen a slight decline, laboratory testing remains a necessary step in ensuring that EV tyres meet safety and performance standards,” noted Winter.

Investment trends in the industry also reflect this evolving landscape. Many tyre manufacturers are opting for outdoor testing because it requires lower upfront investment. Outdoor tests can be conducted by hiring test vehicles and drivers rather than investing in costly laboratory equipment.

Nonetheless, core testing parameters such as uniformity, geometry and balance will remain essential despite the shifts, noted the executive.

INTELLIGENT MACHINES

Winter noted that artificial intelligence (AI) will also play a significant role in tyre testing, particularly in analysing wear test results. While machine builders focus on developing equipment that ensures precise and reproducible testing conditions, AI is increasingly being used in areas like shearography testing.

“For now, AI’s role in direct test result analysis remains limited as interpreting the data largely falls to manufacturers. Testing machines must guarantee consistent results under identical conditions ensuring uniform abrasion rates. However, manufacturers leverage AI to assess tread compounds and wear conditions, an area beyond the machine builder’s core business,” said Murauchi.

Software is also becoming increasingly important in tyre testing, though integration varies by manufacturer size. Major companies prefer to use proprietary quality tools and focus on seamless data integration.

Smaller manufacturers, however, seek guidance on handling test data, creating opportunities for collaboration with software firms.

Despite handling vast amounts of test data, the company is not pursuing a business model centred on data analytics or test services. Some competitors have expanded into internal testing and data-driven solutions, but this firm remains committed to machine building.

UPGRADING SYSTEMS

Customers today are increasingly seeking testing machines that can be upgraded rather than replaced after 15–20 years. Their expectation is to minimise costs while extending the machine’s lifecycle, though upgrading a machine directly in a customer’s plant at minimal cost is not always feasible. Despite this, manufacturers are focusing on designing equipment that allows for easier upgrades over time.

“One key aspect of this shift is the move away from hydraulic systems. All of our testing equipment is now fully electric, whether it is a compression tester, steering tester or vibration tester. This transition was influenced by Japan’s experience with earthquakes, particularly the 2011 disaster that led to power shortages. Following the Fukushima incident, the Japanese Government required manufacturers to reduce power consumption by 15 percent. Unlike hydraulic systems, which require stable oil temperature and pressure, our fully electric machines can be turned on and off instantly, making them more energy-efficient and reducing operational downtime,” averred Murauchi.

The focus on energy efficiency extends to long-term improvements in machine performance. Over the years, the company has developed systems that significantly reduce electricity consumption. Since tyre wear testers run for long durations daily, its energy usage directly impacts operating costs.

“We developed an innovative drive concept that provides force-synchronised control of the drum and test tyre, allowing tyre slip to be precisely applied via a highly dynamic torque-on-demand system. Combined with our specially adapted load case collective, this new system achieves a nearly 90 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional hydraulically driven wear testers. As a result, we can dramatically reduce the running cost for our customers. The first sets of these advanced systems have already been successfully implemented at a major Japanese company, demonstrating the effectiveness of our energy-efficient approach,” revealed Winter.

REGULATORY CHANGES

Regulations play a critical role in shaping the tyre testing industry as manufacturers continuously adapt to new requirements. Winter anticipates significant regulatory changes, particularly in Europe and Asia, over the next four to five years that will impact tyre testing and development.

“One of the key upcoming regulations is related to tyre wear. There is increasing focus on how quickly tyres wear out and how that affects road safety and environmental impact. In addition to wear, the wet grip performance

of tyres is expected to come under stricter regulations, pushing manufacturers to provide more transparent data on its products’ real-world performance. Another area of growing interest is tyre lifespan, particularly for commercial truck and bus tyres. Customers are becoming more focused on the overall service life of tyres rather than just wear resistance, which means testing procedures may need to evolve,” said Winter.

“Tyre safety is another area where regulations are expected to tighten. In the past, tyre testing has primarily focused on new tyres, but we foresee that future regulations may require testing on worn tyres as well. This is because a new tyre performs optimally, but its behaviour can change significantly after use. Factors such as tread depth, air pressure variations and temperature fluctuations influence how a tyre performs over time, and regulators may demand better data on these aspects,” he added.

Currently, tyre testing is done under standard conditions, but in reality, tyres are used in extreme temperatures ranging from sub-zero to scorching heat. With the rise of autonomous driving, there is an increasing need for tyres to be tested in a variety of weather conditions.

Future regulations may require more comprehensive testing to ensure that tyres perform predictably across different temperatures, humidity levels and road conditions. Autonomous vehicle systems will likely rely on detailed tyre performance data to make real-time driving decisions, which could drive the development of new testing methodologies.

FOOTPRINT

Asia remains the strongest market for the company, where it has established itself as the market leader with deep customer relationships. While competition is intense in Europe, the company has tested its machines with premium manufacturers and is adapting its equipment to meet the specific needs of different tyre makers.

The company is deploying pilot projects across various segments including passenger car and truck tyres to expand in Europe. These initial installations allow for extended testing before securing approvals to participate in larger procurement processes. In contrast, the wear tester segment is less competitive with only a few global suppliers, positioning the company as a key player with extensive collaborations worldwide. The focus now is on strengthening technical partnerships, installing pilot units and integrating its solutions within the operational frameworks of major tyre makers.

The company has set a target to expand capacity to 150 units per year, potentially by the end of 2025. While European markets face margin pressures, the company’s challenge lies in scaling up production in Asia, US and Europe to meet growing global demand.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Epsilon Carbon Pvt. Ltd. has announced the appointment of Munish Kumar Rathi as its new President and Business Head for Carbon Black.

With more than 25 years of extensive global leadership experience, Rathi brings a strong background in profit and loss management, multi-site manufacturing leadership, strategic planning and business transformation. His career is marked by a demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence and foster sustainable growth across various international markets.

The company is anticipating that his leadership will play a key role as Epsilon Carbon continues to expand its global footprint and accelerate innovation within the carbon black business segment. The organisation has formally welcomed Rathi to the team, expressing confidence in his capacity to guide future strategic initiatives. This move underscores Epsilon Carbon’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team in pursuit of long-term global competitiveness.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

TVS Srichakra has approved capital investment of up to INR 2.2 billion to expand production capacity at its manufacturing facilities in Vellaripatti, Madurai.

The expansion will cover the company’s two-wheeler tyre and off-highway tyre plants, with investment of up to INR 1.1 billion allocated to each facility.

TVS Srichakra said the two-wheeler tyre plant currently has capacity of about 21 million to 23.5  million tyres a year and operates at utilisation levels of around 80 to 85 percent. The company plans to add about 5 percent capacity, with completion targeted in the first half of FY2028-29.

The off-highway tyre plant has existing capacity of about 75 to 85 metric tonnes a year and operates at utilisation levels of 75 to 80 percent. TVS Srichakra plans to increase capacity at the plant by about 25 percent, with the addition scheduled for the first half of FY2027-28.

The company said the investment would be financed through a combination of internal accruals and debt.

TVS Srichakra said the expansion is intended to meet growing demand for its two- and three-wheeler tyres and off-highway tyre products.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

JK Tyre & Industries reported record consolidated revenue of INR 163.84 billion for FY26, registering an 11 percent year-on-year increase, supported by strong domestic demand and volume growth across key tyre segments.

The company’s consolidated EBITDA rose 25 percent to INR 20.89 billion, with EBITDA margin improving to 12.8 percent.

Profit before tax increased 46 percent to INR 10.43 billion, while profit after tax climbed 52 percent to INR 8.60 billion during FY26.

For the fourth quarter, consolidated revenue rose 12 percent year-on-year to INR 42.33 billion.

Quarterly EBITDA surged 42 percent to INR 5.46 billion, with margin at 12.9 percent, while Q4 PAT nearly doubled, rising 94 percent to INR 1.99 billion.

Chairman and Managing Director Dr Raghupati Singhania described FY26 as a year of robust performance, highlighting record volumes in both truck and bus radial and passenger car radial categories.

Domestic sales volumes during Q4 grew 21 percent overall. Truck and bus radial replacement volumes increased 53 per cent, while OEM demand in the segment rose 23 percent. Passenger car radial replacement volumes were up 26 percent and OEM demand increased 10 percent.

The company said growth momentum was expected to continue into FY27, supported by new vehicle launches, infrastructure development and sustained replacement demand.

JK Tyre also highlighted strong traction in electric mobility. More than 70 per cent of electric buses operating in India currently run on its tyres, while the company supplies EV tyres to nearly eight two-wheeler OEMs and has secured orders for electric passenger vehicle models including Renault Duster EV, Hyundai Creta EV and Tata Motors’ Nexon and Punch EV variants.

Its Mexico business, operated through JK Tornel, contributed nearly 20 per cent of consolidated revenue and is expected to maintain growth across Mexican, Latin American and US markets.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has elected David Cichocki, Managing Director, Americas, and chief sales officer, Americas Consumer, at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, to its board of directors.

“I’m pleased to welcome David to our Board. His extensive experience and expertise across the tire and consumer goods industries will be invaluable as we navigate today’s complex industry,” said Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and chief executive. “His proven leadership will strengthen our ability to seize emerging opportunities.”

Cichocki joined Goodyear in early 2026 and is responsible for overseeing the Americas region and leading the company’s Americas Consumer sales business.

He brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across industrial and consumer goods companies to the USTMA board.

Before joining Goodyear, Cichocki served as senior vice-president of US sales at Whirlpool, where he managed a portfolio valued at more than $10bn across retail and direct-to-consumer channels.

He also spent more than 20 years at Kraft Foods and Nabisco in a range of senior leadership roles.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!