Latest quarterly filings reveal a diverging picture across the global tyre industry, with implications for UK dealers heading into the critical year-end trading period.
The third quarter of 2025 has delivered a mixed scorecard for the world's leading tyre manufacturers. While Hankook and Yokohama celebrated record-breaking results, Continental grappled with substantial restructuring charges. Meanwhile, regional bright spots emerged—Goodyear's EMEA operations returned to profitability, and mid-market players continued their steady advance in European replacement channels.
For UK dealers and fleet operators, the quarterly snapshot offers crucial signals on pricing, availability, and competitive dynamics as the industry heads into the final stretch of 2025.
Hankook delivered its strongest-ever quarterly performance in its tyre division, with sales of KRW 2.707 trillion (around £1.6 billion) and an operating profit of KRW 519.2 billion. The record was driven by robust replacement and original equipment demand, alongside a growing share of large-rim and electric vehicle fitments—categories that command higher margins and reflect evolving fleet requirements across Europe.
Yokohama similarly reported nine-month records, with sales climbing 12 per cent year on year and business profit surging more than 20 per cent. The Japanese manufacturer’s results point to solid underlying demand, particularly in replacement channels, where dealers report consistent stock rotation in premium touring and performance lines.
Bridgestone continued to demonstrate operational strength, with an operating profit of around ¥135 billion, up 14 per cent year on year. The Tokyo-based group credited margin improvement to its premium and fleet solutions strategy, higher OE volumes, and disciplined cost management. In Europe, replacement sales remained healthy, supported by van and truck segments—a critical area for UK fleet partners linked to winter logistics.
Michelin maintained measured growth, posting Q3 revenue of approximately €7.4 billion, a 5.3 per cent annual increase driven by price and mix improvements. The group emphasised firm pricing in high-value tyres and noted that its specialty and agricultural divisions remained resilient. For UK retailers, Michelin’s continued stance on value-based pricing confirms expectations of firm wholesale terms through Q4.
Continental reported a headline net loss of €756 million, largely from non-cash special effects tied to its ongoing spin-off plans rather than operational weakness. “In a challenging market environment, we continue to work diligently to complete our realignment next year,” said CEO Nikolai Setzer. Importantly for the UK market, its Tires division improved margins versus Q2, reflecting a continued focus on profitability and selective channel engagement.
Goodyear’s group-level results included a net loss of US$2.2 billion, but its EMEA segment swung back to profit on stronger product mix and pricing. Regional sales reached US$1.4 billion, up 4.4 per cent, aided by a recovery in OE units. The performance marks a welcome rebound for dealers in Europe and the UK after a turbulent 2024, as Goodyear pivots towards premium SUV and EV-rated product lines.
Pirelli reaffirmed full-year guidance, reporting a nine-month net profit up 8 per cent to €400.6 million and an adjusted EBIT margin of 16.1 per cent. The Italian premium brand has contained tariff impacts through effective inventory and cost management—welcome news for prestige dealers reliant on stable supply.
Asia’s mid-market players continued their steady European advance. Nexen Tire reported Q3 sales growth of 10 per cent to KRW 780.7 billion, while Sailun’s revenue surged 18 per cent year on year to RMB 10.0 billion. Both have been gaining share in replacement channels by offering competitive pricing and popular size availability.
Apollo Tyres also delivered strong European momentum, with consolidated revenues of INR 66.1 billion, up 6 per cent year on year. Its Vredestein brand achieved record quarterly profits, boosted by the Hungarian plant’s high utilisation and success in UHP and all-season segments.
Linglong and Giti reported renewed sales momentum in Q3. Linglong’s revenue climbed more than 15 per cent year on year as European exports rebounded, while Giti reinforced its commitment to sustainability and European market development—signals of continuing competitive pressure in volume-oriented UK channels.
Titan International, a bellwether for the agricultural and OTR sectors, posted Q3 revenue near US$466 million, with improved margins. For UK agricultural dealers, the result points to a stable outlook as winter maintenance and construction activity pick up.
As the industry moves into Q4, several themes are clear for retailers and fleet operators in the UK market:
The third quarter confirms the tyre industry’s resilience amid cost pressures and strategic change. For dealers, balancing mix, pricing, and supplier alignment will be key to ending the year profitably as global brands sharpen their focus on value creation over volume.
Tagged with: Q3 2025 results, tyre market outlook, Continental realignment, Goodyear EMEA profit, Hankook record quarter, Yokohama nine-month results, Pirelli guidance, Nexen sales growth, Sailun revenue, Titan International, Toyo profit decline, European replacement demand
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