Representational image credit: Dunlop Tyres Africa

South Africa's tyre industry, a crucial component of the nation's automotive sector, is currently experiencing a dynamic period marked by significant growth, evolving market trends and a unique set of challenges.

A recent report by ResearchAndMarkets stated that South Africa is the largest market in terms of both production and consumption in the African region, which saw approximately 8.1 million new tyres produced locally in 2024, complemented by around 8 million imported tyres. Replacement tyres continue to dominate the market, accounting for over 70 percent of new tyre sales.

The industry is largely shaped by four major local manufacturers: Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear and Sumitomo (Dunlop). However, these established players are now facing intense competition from an increasing influx of cheaper imported tyres, a trend that presents both consumer choice and significant pressure on local production.

In addition, the South African tyre market is also reshaping with several key trends including growing emphasis on sustainability, focus on biodegradable materials and the development of advanced tyre technologies. Urbanisation and the expansion of the middle class are driving market growth, further fuelled by an increase in vehicle sales and ownership.

Despite this growth, consumers remain highly price-sensitive, contributing to the rise of low-cost imports. The industry is also seeing increased collaboration, particularly in waste tyre management and efforts to promote local manufacturing through industry associations addressing common challenges. Investment in local production is a notable trend and the dominance of replacement tyre sales is expected to continue.

The tyre market offers numerous opportunities, including the development of products specifically tailored for local conditions, expansion of local manufacturing capabilities and significant export potential. There are also franchise opportunities within the retail and fitment centre segments, alongside a growing tyre recycling industry. The rise of electric vehicles is also creating demand for specialised tyres, while skills development, training and upskilling remain crucial for the workforce, including technicians, technologists and sales consultants. The growth of online retail further expands market reach.

The report found that the industry, however, is not without its hurdles. Intense competitive pressure, coupled with broader economic challenges, poses a constant threat. Environmental concerns surrounding tyre waste management are paramount, as is the pervasive issue of illicit trade, including smuggling, illegal imports and counterfeit products. Rising raw material and other input costs, potential impacts of global trade policies and regulatory complexities add to the burden. Furthermore, technical skills shortages and the unsafe use of second-hand tyres, often linked to improper waste tyre processing, remain significant challenges.

Looking ahead, the South African tyre industry is anticipated to experience moderate growth in the medium term. This growth will be primarily driven by increasing vehicle sales, expanding export opportunities and continued investments in technology and infrastructure.

The market outlook suggests that the increasing prevalence of predominantly Chinese and other low-cost tyres will continue to offer more options for consumers, while simultaneously posing a considerable challenge for local manufacturers. Efforts to promote and develop local manufacturing hubs are seen as vital for stimulating local production and attracting further investment. Innovations aimed at improving tyre lifespan and fuel efficiency are also expected to have both positive and negative implications for the industry's future trajectory.

Yokohama India, the Indian subsidiary of Japan's Yokohama Rubber Co., has launched its newly revamped official website.

The company said that the upgrade is a major milestone and part of its digital transformation, aiming to make tyre discovery, selection and aftersales service simpler and more intuitive for consumers.

The new platform features an intuitive interface with simplified navigation, detailed product information and a mobile-first design for a responsive user experience. The website incorporates AI-led enhancements.

The platform also introduces WhatsApp Connect+, an automated chatbot designed to provide instant product assistance, personalised recommendations and quick connection to dealers. An upgraded dealer locator and a blog section with tyre care tips and maintenance advice are also included.

Gaurav Mahajan, Head of Marketing, Yokohama India, said, “Our goal is to create a digital ecosystem that goes beyond information, it’s about building a closer connection with every driving enthusiast. The new website mirrors the performance, innovation, and reliability our tyres represent, while making every interaction from exploring to support seamless and enjoyable.”

Cabot Corporation has named William ‘Bill’ Masterson as the new Senior Vice President and President of its Reinforcement Materials segment, effective 21 November 2025. He takes over the position from Matthew Wood, whose departure from the company is effective immediately. The company clarified that Wood’s exit is not connected to any form of disagreement concerning business performance, financial controls, operational matters or auditing practices.

Masterson brings considerable experience to his new role, having progressed through a series of leadership positions since joining Cabot from WR Grace in 2011. His most recent assignment was as Vice President of Global Business Operations for Carbon and Silica Technologies, where he managed a worldwide network of manufacturing facilities. In that capacity, his responsibilities extended to overseeing product management, supply chain logistics and technology functions, through which he led key projects focused on improving operational efficiency and fostering sustained growth.

Previously, he served as Vice President and Regional Business Director for the Americas, directing all commercial and technical activities for the specialty carbons and fumed metal oxides lines. This extensive background in managing intricate global operations, supported by his strong commercial strategy expertise, equips him to successfully lead the Reinforcement Materials segment and advance Cabot’s strategic goals.

Sean Keohane, President and CEO, Cabot Corporation, said, “Bill brings a strong and diverse background to his new role, with deep expertise in global business operations, commercial strategy and a proven ability to lead complex organisations. Throughout his career at Cabot, he has demonstrated disciplined execution and a commitment to driving growth and operational excellence. Bill will also have the support of a long-tenured, highly experienced team with decades of knowledge in Reinforcement Materials, providing consistency and strength as he leads the business forward. He is also highly regarded for his collaborative leadership style and his ability to develop talent across the Company. I am confident that his strategic insight and operational experience will position the Reinforcement Materials business for continued success and long-term growth.”

Hankook Tire has signed a memorandum of understanding with Finland’s Rotoboost to co-develop a new class of low-carbon carbon materials for tyres, as the South Korean manufacturer accelerates efforts to cut emissions across its supply chain.

The agreement was concluded on 20 November at Rotoboost’s China office in Shanghai and centres on the joint development of carbon materials derived from so-called turquoise hydrogen — a process in which methane is thermally decomposed to produce hydrogen and solid carbon with significantly lower CO₂ output than conventional production methods.

Hankook said the collaboration marks a further step towards its “2050 Net-Zero” target, with a specific focus on the raw-materials stage, where carbon black — a fossil-fuel-based input widely used in tyre manufacturing — is associated with high emissions. The company has been expanding research into recycled and certified forms of carbon black but sees the hydrogen-derived alternative as a promising next stage.

The signing was attended by Hyuncheol Kim, chief operating officer of Hankook Tire China, and Rotoboost chief executive Kaisa Nikulainen. According to the companies, the partnership reflects a shared ambition to “strengthen sustainable materials value chain”.

Turquoise-hydrogen carbon materials, generated during the decomposition of methane in a high-temperature reactor, have recently drawn interest in the automotive and tyre sectors for their potential to reduce lifecycle emissions. Hankook aims to optimise the material’s properties, validate its performance in tyre compounds and achieve more than a 50 per cent reduction in greenhouse-gas intensity “without compromising product performance”.

The group will also develop a quantitative verification system, using Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Product Declarations, to assess carbon-reduction effects from raw-material sourcing through to production.

The agreement builds on Hankook’s growing portfolio of sustainability-driven projects. This year the company joined a national research programme on large-scale turquoise hydrogen production and began a development initiative with Solvay Silica to produce circular silica using industrial waste streams. Last year it achieved mass-production use of three ISCC PLUS-certified carbon blacks made from end-of-life tyre pyrolysis oil, and commercialised Korea’s first chemically recycled PET tyre cord through a partnership with SK Chemicals and Hyosung Advanced Materials.

Hankook said it would continue to “reduce its dependence on petroleum resources, prevent the depletion of natural resources, and consistently lower carbon emissions” through global collaborations.

India’s Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT) has strengthened its original equipment (OE) business with three senior appointments across France and South America, as the off-highway tyre maker accelerates its 2030 growth strategy.

The company said the hires mark a further step in its plan to expand in priority markets and reinforce its position as a global OE partner through technical collaboration and deeper engagement with equipment manufacturers.

In France, BKT has appointed Rémi Morin as Brand Specification Manager. Morin, who has more than 12 years’ experience with a global OEM and a decade in smart farming, mobility and innovation, will lead the firm’s engagement with tractor dealers. BKT said the role is designed to align product development more closely with the needs of OEMs, dealers and end-users in a market where the company already has a strong aftermarket presence.

In South America, BKT has added Cadu Accica as Head OEM South America and Lincoln Sugimoto as OEM Technical Manager South America.

Accica brings 19 years of experience in the specialty tyre sector across Latin America, with a track record in business development, marketing and sales. He will oversee OE partnerships with a focus on customer proximity and long-term collaboration.

Sugimoto, an engineering and project management specialist with 15 years’ experience in the specialty tyre and material-handling industries, will provide technical support to OEMs in the region and drive innovation and operational efficiency.

“These appointments reflect our bold commitment to scaling our OE business worldwide — with Europe and South America being critical parts of that journey. Remi, Cadu, and Lincoln bring passion, expertise, and a shared belief in performance through partnership and innovation. Their arrival enhances our ability to engage with OEMs at the highest level and deliver long-term value across regions. We are building a team that will transform our strong ambitions into reality at a global level,” said Ludovic Revel, President Global OEM, BKT.

BKT said the latest hires follow recent additions to its OE teams across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The company added that it is now positioned to expand its OE footprint across agricultural, industrial and OTR segments as part of its long-term strategic plan.