What does ‘Tyre Labelling’ guarantee? It shows schematically the classification of tyres in terms of fuel consumption, noise and wet performance. The tyre manufacturer is obliged to demonstrate the values ​​indicated on the label in tests carried out in accordance with the test method described in EU regulations. This essentially means that the performance parameters of the tyres in question are at least exactly at this level or above the positive side of the limit scale, but only when the tyres are new, i.e. at the beginning of tyre installation. It is technically expected that the stated performance values ​​will not change until the end of the first 10,000 kilometres or until wear of approximately 1.5 mm occurs.

Who knows what the actual grading of tyres will be after the second 10,000 kilometres or at 3 mm down wear stage? No one can correctly estimate what the wet noise and traction will be after most of the mini-kerf or notches are eliminated or reduced, but only when the tyre is tested it can be monitored. Or if the tyre's grooves are completely ‘V’ type, and after a period of time the tyre's traction forces change significantly, then rolling resistance and wet braking behaviour will become significantly different.

The performance level of worn tyres might be therefore quite uncertain and must be taken into account on a legal basis. The wet performance of worn tyres will be a check point for ‘wet grip class’ grading on EU Tyre label after 1st July of 2024, which is in line with the demand of tyre industry parties asking more sustainability.  Thanks to the introduction of a new EU regulation R117-04, tyres sold in EU distribution channels meet the same minimum wet braking performance requirements not only when new but also when worn down to the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm.

EU is the most sensitive and advanced market to sustainability in the world. It is driven at any time by the increasingly aspiring regulatory agenda and there is always a constant development in this respect. Requirements of consumers or the automotive industry are more demanding by a more conscious society. Tyres’ life cycle contributing to a more sustainable future proactively identifies and addresses the potential human health and environmental impacts associated with the industry. Therefore, safer and more environmentally sound mobility options are always geared towards resource conservation and fuel economy amongst the focus points of innovations.

Thanks to the introduction of a new EU regulation R117-04, tyres sold in EU distribution channels meet the same minimum wet braking performance requirements not only when new but also when worn down to the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. They must therefore be tested both as new and as worn tyres before receiving the 'wet grade’ on the label. This means that EU drivers can now buy safer tyres that meet the legal minimum standards for wet braking performance, even when worn down to the legal minimum tread depth.

As a weak point of R117-04 regulation, it only covers wet braking of new and worn-out tyres. It does not cover ‘noise’ and ‘rolling resistance’ items given on labelling or more simply endurance performance level of especially cheap tyres in the market with a 1.6 mm tread depth assuming they will not change!

Informal wet braking tests conducted by ETRTO show that the wear rate of group ‘C1’ tyres can decrease by up to 50 percent, while the loss rate of group ‘C2’ and ‘C3’ tyres remain in 10 percent. The new regulation R117-04 therefore does not apply to group ‘C2’ and ‘C3’ tyres, as they normally have a greater tread depth and it is assumed that the level of wet braking does not change during the wear phase. However, since group ‘C1’ tyres have a smaller tread depth, it is assumed that their contact patch is more subject to negative changes, so that the wet braking performance also changes more after use. 

As a weak point of R117-04 regulation, it only covers wet braking of new and worn-out tyres. It does not cover ‘noise’ and ‘rolling resistance’ items given on labelling or more simply endurance performance level of especially cheap tyres in the market with a 1.6 mm tread depth assuming they will not change!

The new R117-04 regulation may mainly be considered as sustainability issue rather than total safety. It promotes tyre usage until defined min tread depth creating a room to consumers to trust the tyres above minimum tread depth level. However, it should still be positively considered a step forward to the worn tyres’ safety regulation. It accepts that wet braking level of worn tyres are more critical and important safety issue and should be regulated. By the way, consumers may use their tyres in longer stage, giving a contribution to a greener world.

The transparency provided by the new regulation, which came into force on 2024 July, is even more essential, as some performances deteriorate over time, especially in terms of safety. R117-04 in this term guarantees enhanced safety, better respect for the environment and the protection of motorists’ purchasing power. 

Common consumer behaviour shows that 50 percent of car tyres are demounted before reaching a residual depth of 3 mm and replaced with a new set of tyres.

Michelin has studied the safety margin of used tyres since 2018 and has stressed the importance of tyres to be used until 1.6 mm remaining tread depth. The best way was to test worn tyres because it can easily reflect the real risks a driver can face on the road. During the study, the results were surprisingly varied. It was shown that some worn tyres performed better than new tyres when braking on wet roads. This was exactly what Michelin has been saying for a long time. The performance of different tyre brands also varies considerably.

Common consumer behaviour shows that 50 percent of car tyres are demounted before reaching a residual depth of 3 mm and replaced with a new set. In global scale, this makes around 400 million tyres are prematurely scraped every year. A quarter of this amount, or almost 100 million tyres, would save at least 6 million tonnes of CO2 instead of reproducing it. The implementation of this regulation will certainly have an impact on the demand for new tyres in Europe.

R117-04 presently focus mainly on only tread depth attribute, while aspects such as ageing or rubber structural integrity degradation remain outside the scope of this amendment.

In addition, in the hope that higher performance requirements will not result in higher costs for consumers, the changes are designed to encourage consumers to continue using sustainable tyres instead. Once drivers are confident in their tyres, they will drive to a tread depth of 1.6 mm, potentially saving EUR 6 billion a year by not complying with proposals to reduce tread depth to less than 3 mm.

R117-04 presently focuses mainly on tread depth attribute, while aspects such as ageing or rubber structural integrity degradation remain outside the scope of this amendment. We also mentioned some additional weak points above. However, imposing these standards, will increase the driver’s awareness for worn tyres performance limits and let them to make more informed decisions when purchasing tyres.

On the other hand, understanding the ‘NEW AND WORN PHASE TESTS CONCEPT’ will become the standard mentality of the customer, who will be able to assess the attitude towards the initial performance of the tyres, which may change over time, but should not! The new challenge will be to weed out products that are not gripping in the wet when worn and have not met these expectations for years..!

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Apollo Tyres Chairman Onkar S. Kanwar has said the company remains focused on disciplined execution, sustainability and long-term value creation as it navigates geopolitical uncertainty, changing trade dynamics and a challenging global business environment.

Addressing shareholders at the company's 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM), Kanwar said FY26 had been a year that tested businesses worldwide, but Apollo Tyres had continued to strengthen its financial performance while investing for future growth.

"The future is not something we inherit. It is something we create through the choices we make every day," Kanwar told shareholders, quoting Mahatma Gandhi's observation that "The future depends on what we do in the present."

Apollo Tyres reported consolidated revenue of INR 284.71 billion for FY26, crossing the INR 280 billion milestone, while operating profit rose to INR 41.43 billion. Kanwar said the company's focus extended beyond financial performance to improving capital efficiency, operational discipline and profitable growth.

"Every important decision we take is driven by one simple question: Are we building a stronger company for tomorrow?" he said.

Kanwar also highlighted the company's efforts to strengthen the Apollo Tyres brand through its association with the Indian national cricket team, describing the partnership as one that reflected Apollo Tyres' values of resilience, determination and excellence rather than merely serving as a branding exercise.

Sustainability remained central to the company's strategy, he said, noting that Apollo Tyres' greenhouse gas emission reduction targets had been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), reinforcing its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The company continued to expand the use of renewable energy while improving responsible sourcing and resource efficiency across its operations, Kanwar said. "Sustainability is no longer a separate agenda for Apollo Tyres; it has become an integral part of how we innovate, manufacture and grow."

Kanwar credited employees for the company's performance, describing their commitment and adaptability as the foundation of Apollo Tyres' continued progress. He also acknowledged the support of governments and institutions across the markets where the company operates.

He singled out Hungary as a key manufacturing base in Europe, saying Apollo Tyres' plant at Gyöngyöshalász reflected the benefits of long-term collaboration with the Hungarian government.

Looking ahead, Kanwar expressed confidence in the company's growth prospects, citing India's expanding market opportunities and Apollo Tyres' international manufacturing and distribution footprint.

"Uncertainty will always be a part of business, but organisations that remain true to their values, continue to innovate and invest responsibly will be best placed to succeed," he said.

Thanking shareholders, customers, dealers, suppliers, financial institutions and government partners for their continued support, Kanwar said Apollo Tyres remained committed to building "a company that is stronger, more resilient and more responsible with every passing year."

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CAMSO Construction and CEAT Specialty has announced the appointment of Jason Canning as Vice President & Head – International Sales for CAMSO Construction and CEAT OHT business units. The executive will assume responsibility for steering the company’s worldwide sales strategy, accelerating international revenue expansion, and fortifying collaborations with original equipment manufacturers, distribution networks and end-users in pivotal global regions.

With a career spanning over two decades, Canning brings extensive commercial leadership experience garnered across the speciality tyre, industrial products and engineered materials industries. His professional track record is distinguished by consistent delivery of sustainable financial growth, the cultivation of high-performance international sales teams and the establishment of durable strategic alliances with major OEMs, channel partners and a diverse clientele across multiple continents.

This strategic hire underscores the organisation’s ongoing commitment to securing premier global talent in support of its ambitious international development objectives. The move also reaffirms the company’s dedication to providing customer-centric, premium-grade solutions on a worldwide scale, aligning with its broader vision for sustained market presence and operational excellence.

Canning said, "I am excited to join CAMSO Construction and CEAT OHT at such a pivotal time for the organisation. I look forward to leveraging my international experience to strengthen our global partnerships, expand our market presence and drive sustainable growth for the business."

Amit Tolani, Director, CAMSO Construction and Chief Executive, CEAT Specialty, said, " Jason's international experience and proven track record of building high-performing sales teams make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. His deep understanding of the OHT products landscape, along with strong OEM and channel relationships, will support our global expansion."

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ZC Rubber has held its first Indonesia Distributor Conference, bringing together around 140 representatives from the company, PT Matahari Tire Indonesia (MTI) and its core Indonesian distributor network as it seeks to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia.

The two-day event, held in Jakarta on July 23–24 under the theme "Gathering Momentum in Indonesia, Creating Success Together", focused on the company's manufacturing development in Indonesia, product planning for regional markets and closer collaboration with distributors.

Opening the conference, Henry Shen, Senior Vice President of Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber), highlighted the progress of MTI since it was established nearly three years ago. According to the company, the Indonesian plant began production 289 days after construction started and produced its first one million tyres a further 282 days later.

"MTI is an important part of our long-term development in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. It gives us a stronger local manufacturing base, closer access to market demand and greater flexibility in serving both regional and international customers,” said Shen.

Located in Kendal Industrial Park in Central Java, the 58.8-hectare facility is ZC Rubber's second overseas tyre plant. The company said Phase I has reached its planned production capacity, while Phase II has entered operation.

During the conference, Wang Xianning, Vice President of ZC Rubber and General Manager of MTI, outlined developments in production capacity, intelligent manufacturing and the plant's end-to-end quality control system.

Zhang Chunsheng, Deputy General Manager of ZC Rubber's Truck and Bus Tire Division and Director of its TBR and OTR Research Institute, presented the company's tyre technology roadmap and product development plans. These include refining products for Indonesia's road conditions, heavy rainfall, high temperatures and demanding commercial vehicle applications.

"Feedback from distributors, fleets and users in Indonesia is helping us refine products for local conditions, while ZC Rubber's global R&D platform allows those products to meet the requirements of wider regional and export markets," Zhang said.

Jeffrey Zhang, General Manager of ZC Rubber's International Business Department, and Justin Cui, Assistant General Manager of MTI, also presented localised product planning, marketing programmes and channel development strategies for the Indonesian market.

The conference included discussions with distributors covering product performance, customer demand and regional market conditions. The company said the feedback gathered would be incorporated into future product planning and market support.

ZC Rubber also announced the formation of an Indonesia Marketing Committee, comprising representatives from four national distributors. The committee will provide a forum for MTI and its partners to discuss product requirements, market developments and coordinated sales and marketing activities.

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SI Group has promoted Robert Kaiser to Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing, concurrently appointing him to the company’s Executive Leadership Team. The global developer and manufacturer of performance additives, process solutions and chemical intermediates has tasked the executive with spearheading market-focused growth efforts and enhancing the synergy between client demands and the firm’s enduring strategic vision.

Kaiser’s elevation follows a distinguished tenure with the organisation that began in 2014, during which he assumed progressively significant roles in strategic marketing and business development. His contributions have been instrumental in refining the company’s product portfolio and market positioning, as well as fostering interdepartmental cooperation on pivotal expansion projects. His professional background also includes commercial leadership stints at AkzoNobel and Arizona Chemical, now part of Kraton Corporation.

The newly appointed Senior Vice President holds a Master of Business Administration from Ruhr University Bochum in Germany. With his extensive commercial acumen, Kaiser is poised to drive alignment and execute the company’s long-term objectives in his new executive capacity.

David Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer, SI Group, said, "Robert has consistently demonstrated exceptional strategic leadership and a deep understanding of our markets. His ability to turn information into actionable insight has been instrumental in strengthening our commercial organisation and advancing our strategic priorities. We look forward to the unique global perspective and market-centric lens he will bring to our Executive Leadership Team.” 

Kaiser said, “I am honoured to join the Executive Leadership Team. Our customers are navigating an increasingly complex business environment, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this role at a time when SI Group has the global footprint and strong foundation needed to create value for our customers and the markets we serve. I look forward to working with colleagues across SI Group to deepen customer relationships and continue advancing our commercial strategy.”

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