What does the future of tyre technology look like? The answer remains ‘pneumatic tyres’, but in the sense of greener and more digital technologies.

The ‘pneumatic tyre’ remains the only optimal long-term solution that meets expectations in all important technical parameters, even if tyre construction becomes more complex with each new vehicle generation. To the question ‘What does the future of tyre technology look like?’, the answer is still ‘pneumatic tyres’, but in the sense of greener and more digital technologies.

The increasing number of SUVs, electric cars and new types of vehicles lead to a change in tyre sizes in every markets. New vehicles come in different sizes, so the lifespan of common tyre sizes under same class vehicles available in the market is decreasing day by day. Therefore, successful SKU management and new technics are required for inventory management.

Electric cars are increasingly dominating the market with their larger load capacity, higher torque and higher requirements for tyre wear resistance. Tyres of electrical cars and SUVs are becoming larger and heavier, limiting opportunities to reduce total tyre weight on automobiles.

Electric vehicle-associated increase in average vehicle weight and acceleration speed requires changes in tyre design. Optimisation of the raw materials and chemicals used in the mix of compound formulations are certainly necessary.

Tyres are still ‘black and round’, but they are constantly evolving towards ‘more efficient, smarter and safer technologies’. Lower skid depth but better wear resistance are common approaches to higher overall efficiency. Friction requirements must be balanced with tyre pattern for safety. Minor differences of patterns might change tyre responses unpredictably.

Of course, tyres must be durable and perform properly throughout their lifetime, but there are other requirements that must be met to be accepted on the market. The basic requirements are already included in the tyre regulation. The European tyre labelling system obliges tyre manufacturers to maximise the rolling resistance, wet grip and noise level of the tyres. In addition, it is an opportunity to enter the market with better tyre ratings.

Cold working is better for endurance and for better rolling resistance, but maintaining optimum grip performance is a challenge. Optimising wet grip and tyre wear are in conflict together with tyre handling, which is critical for safety. Likewise, better aquaplaning performance does not automatically mean better wet performance, and it is difficult to optimise both at one time. The same goes for noise and traction in wet conditions. Therefore, optimising and balancing different parameters is always a science in itself.

The increasing market penetration of electric vehicles and the associated increase in average vehicle weight and acceleration speed require changes in tyre design. Noise reduction and improved rolling resistance must be balanced by improved wear resistance. Given the enormous development of new generation alternatives in recent years, optimisation of the raw materials and chemicals used in compound formulations are certainly necessary.

Improving one performance parameter in the tyre industry often has a negative impact on another metric. The use of nanomaterials in tyre tread compounds let many of the metrics get better such as durability, wear and rolling resistance and wet performance.

Lower rolling resistance means less dynamic energy is required to maximise the vehicle’s range, which is crucial for electric vehicles. Low rolling resistance tyres make it possible to increase the range of electric vehicles by up to seven percent. Continental has announced the development of a special soft rubber tread compound that helps reduce rolling resistance and noise levels simultaneously, without compromising mileage.

Current tests show that the tyres of electric vehicles wear out 20 percent faster. This is due to the additional weight, the higher engine torque and the friction effects on the tyres when energy is recovered in coasting. Reduction of RR essentially requires a lower tread depth, but it also means the tyre lasts less time and generates more noise. However, the use of nanomaterials in tyre tread compounds, which manufacturers are experimenting with, improves durability, wear resistance and extends tyre life.

Nano-silica reduces rolling resistance, thereby improving fuel efficiency, while nano-clay improves thermal stability and provides consistent performance at different temperatures. Carbon nanotubes and graphene are used to improve the mechanical and electrical properties of tyre rubber, which improves tensile strength, elasticity and compensating low conductivity caused by the high silica content in the tread compound of current tyres. However, due to high cost and low availability, their widespread application in the tyre industry is limited.

Improving one performance parameter in the tyre industry often has a negative impact on another metric, such as efficiency, and comes at the expense of another metric, such as durability or wet grip. Silica nanoparticles improve wet grip in this respect by improving the tyre’s interaction with wet surfaces, thus increasing safety in adverse weather conditions.

By 2050, all tyres will be made from direct natural sources or recycled materials, which corresponds to the global goal of net zero CO2 emissions. Growing consumer awareness is also driving demand for products made from recycled materials.

In order to achieve carbon neutrality, a ‘sharp decline in demand for fossil fuels’ is expected in the global energy sector from 2040 onwards. ISO 14068 provides principles, requirements and guidelines for achieving and demonstrating carbon neutrality, with a focus on quantifying, reducing and offsetting the carbon footprint. Growing consumer awareness is driving demand for products made from recycled materials. Industry practices and market offerings are influencing new products.

Similar to the rapid and massive increase in investments in renewable energy and capacity expansions, the sustainable tyre materials market is also expected to witness strong growth. Manufacturers are exploring biodegradable materials and using recycled components to reduce environmental impact while ensuring that safety and performance are not compromised.

Major tyre manufacturers have already set themselves ambitious goals: by 2050, they are committed to use 100 percent sustainable materials in their production. From that date, all tyres will be made from direct natural sources or recycled materials, which corresponds to the global goal of ‘net zero CO2 emissions by 2050’.

Today, it is technically possible to extract ultrafine carbon black and pyrolysis oil from scrap tyres. Other achievements include the use of bio-based butadiene from wood biomass and other plant waste as a replacement for butadiene from petroleum, recycled styrene from plastics and polyester yarn obtained from recycled PET. The extraction of high-quality, reusable steel, gas and other new materials from scrap tyres is currently practiced by some tyre manufacturers.

Tyre performance is experimented with virtual testing in extreme conditions and optimisation of tyre performance is possible before real prototypes come to life. Digitalisation offers endless possibilities for new horizons in tyre industry.

Digitalisation has revolutionised design, manufacturing, performance monitoring and durability of tyre technologies. ‘Smart tyres’ with ‘embedded sensors’ send real-time and continuous data such as pressure, temperature, tread depth and wear data to vehicle control systems and cloud platforms. Safety is provided by detecting early signs of wear or punctures.

Simulation in virtual environments allows understanding of tyre behaviour under different conditions such as temperature, pressure and road types. It is possible to reduce the number of physical prototypes and speed up tyre design cycles. Faster design and prototyping minimise the time spent on developing the tyre. Major tyre manufacturers already own simulator setups and software to virtually test vehicle and tyres altogether.

Virtual tyre testing and simulation uses AI for visualising tyre model behaviour and finite element analysis methods are used to calculate external heat, load or pressures impacts. Virtual models respond to forces, heat and wear effects. This enables virtual testing in extreme conditions and optimisation of tyre performance before real prototypes come to life. Digitalisation offers endless possibilities for new horizons in the tyre industry.

The tyre industry is increasingly placing emphasis on digital transformation and sustainability. ‘What’s next?’ is an open question for any technological industries. The ‘Next Step’ in tyre industry is the green and digital revolution. How this development is managed depends on the intellectual and technological capabilities of the tyre manufacturers.

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Bridgestone India announced the winners of the 5th Edition of its Mobility Social Impact Awards (MSIA) 2025 in Pune, celebrating organisations that use mobility for social good.

The top honour in the Road Safety Innovation and Excellence category went to ALERT (Amenity Lifeline Emergency Response Team) from Chennai for empowering over 450,000 citizens with emergency response skills. Safety Research Foundation (SRF), based in Pune, received a Jury Commendation for its BRACE Project, which transforms school zones with safety audits and infrastructure upgrades.

In the Empowerment of Vulnerable Communities category, The Association of People with Disability (APD), Bengaluru, won the top honour for its Rehab on Wheels initiative, which provides last-mile rehabilitation services.

The winners were presented with their awards by social worker Dr. Girish Kulkarni, founder of Snehalaya.

Hiroshi Yoshizane, Group President, Bridgestone Asia Pacific and Managing Director, Bridgestone India, said: “It is a privilege to honour these changemakers who are redefining mobility for social good. Their work reflects our shared commitment to building inclusive, safe, and empowered communities.”

Jeya Padmanaban, Founding Trustee, Safety Research Foundation (SRF), said, “We are truly honoured to receive the Jury Commendation at the Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards 2025. The BRACE Project reflects our belief that road safety must begin at the community level, where awareness and infrastructure meet action. This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue building safer environments for children and fostering a culture of responsibility and care on our roads.”

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Linglong Tire has announced the promotion of Alessio Iacovelli to Deputy Director of Replacement Sales for Western Europe, effective 1 September 2025. In this elevated role, Iacovelli will take on leadership of the regional sales team with a mandate to accelerate business development. His key objectives will include forging strategic alliances and implementing programmes to strengthen customer loyalty. Iacovelli will report directly to Lisa Zhao, the Director of Replacement Sales for Western Europe, and will collaborate with her to manage key markets, including Germany, the UK, Italy and Spain.

Iacovelli, who began his career with Goodyear and Nexen, first joined Linglong Tire at the end of 2022 as a Sales Manager. In that capacity, he demonstrated significant success in developing the Southern European aftermarket, where he expanded the brand's footprint, defined effective growth strategies and secured robust partnerships with distributors. This strategic appointment and the restructuring of the sales leadership underscore Linglong Tire's intensified focus on achieving its ambitious growth targets across the European continent.

Iacovelli said, "I am very pleased to have been promoted to Deputy Director Replacement Sales West Europe at Linglong Tire. We have fantastic products such as the Sport Master 4S and the Sport Master Winter, both successfully tested in the recently published tyre tests. We have a state-of-the-art development centre in Germany and a new tyre plant in Europe and are successful in original equipment – ideal conditions for achieving our ambitious goals together with my team and the colleagues in Hannover and continuing to grow, especially in Europe."

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German synthetic rubber maker ARLANXEO has launched consultations with worker representatives over the potential closure of its Port Jerome facility in France, citing persistent weak demand and declining competitiveness in the European chemicals industry.

The company, which is majority-owned by Saudi Aramco, had begun an information and consultation period with the Works Council at the site, located in northern France. A final decision on the closure will be taken after the mandatory consultation process concludes and approval is obtained from the French labour authorities, DREETS.

“The European chemical industry continues to face persistent weak demand and declining competitiveness driven by rising costs, unbalanced global markets, and increased regulatory pressure,” said Stephan van Santbrink, ARLANXEO chief executive.

“These conditions have generated a significant burden on the sector across the regional value chain. ARLANXEO has not been an exception to these challenges. The Port Jerome site has remained in a structurally loss-making position. Despite numerous improvement efforts, we do not foresee a viable path to a sustained structural improvement.”

The company did not disclose how many jobs would be affected by a potential closure, nor did it provide details on the facility’s production capacity or annual output.

Van Santbrink acknowledged the impact on workers, saying: “We recognise the impact a potential closure may have on our employees, and we regret the need to consider these steps. We will continue to treat all employees with respect. If we decide to cease operations at the site, we will do our utmost to assist in finding alternative solutions for all impacted employees. In addition, we intend to provide impacted employees with a social plan which reflects their valued contribution to ARLANXEO.”

The announcement adds to a growing list of European chemical producers struggling with high energy costs, sluggish demand and competition from lower-cost producers in Asia and the United States.

ARLANXEO said it would work closely with all affected internal and external stakeholders to minimise the impact of the intended closure.

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Continental's Tires group sector has strengthened its leadership team with two key internal appointments, effective 1 September 2025. Jana Striezel has been named the new head of global purchasing for Continental Tires, while Dennis Bellmund has assumed leadership of the global original equipment business for both passenger and commercial vehicles. Both executives will report directly to Christian Kötz, the member of Continental AG's Executive Board who leads the Tires group sector.

In her new capacity, Striezel will oversee worldwide strategic and operational purchasing. She brings extensive experience from the automotive industry, having previously held several procurement management roles at Renault, where she led purchasing for the Renault brand and its alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi in Europe. Her career began at Volkswagen in 2014.

Bellmund, who has a 25-year tenure with Continental, steps into his role following the departure of his predecessor, Manja Greimeier, to the ContiTech sector. His extensive background within the company includes recent responsibility for Continental’s tyre retail operations, alongside prior leadership roles in EMEA supply chain management and sales direction for the European replacement tyre business. These appointments signal a strategic reinforcement of Continental's tyre division leadership.

Kötz said, “We’re delighted to welcome Jana Striezel, a highly skilled manager, to our team. She brings extensive expertise in international procurement and will focus on driving forward our purchasing strategy. In Dennis Bellmund, our global original equipment business has gained a highly experienced leader. Thanks to his many years at Continental, he is familiar with our company and our customers’ needs from many different angles. On behalf of the entire management team, I wish both of them every success in their new roles and look forward to working together.”

“On behalf of the entire team, I would like to thank Manja Greimeier for her successful leadership of our original equipment business and wish her all the best and continued success,” added Kötz.

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