The tyre industry has seen significant developments across product launches, regulatory actions, strategic appointments, and financial results throughout early November 2025. Here's a comprehensive overview of the key stories shaping the sector.
Mickey Thompson made a strong showing at SEMA 2025 in Las Vegas, launching three major products: the Baja Belted II off-road tyre, a reimagining of the iconic tyre that Mickey Thompson raced to victory in the Baja 1000; the Street Comp GHT ultra-ultra-high-performance summer tyre for high-horsepower American muscle cars; and the MT Classic Forged Wheels series. The Baja Belted II will be available in sizes ranging from 15 to 30 inches beginning Spring 2026, combining vintage styling with modern engineering including steel-belted radial construction and deep Sidebiter sidewall protection.
Transense Technologies unveiled its Translogik TLGi Digital Handheld Tyre Inflator at SEMA, a connected service tool designed for commercial truck and bus fleets. The device combines precision inflation with real-time data capture, offering Bluetooth integration, cloud-based data logging, and optional RFID and TPMS reading capabilities to provide complete traceability of tyre pressure management.
Anyline showcased its AI-enhanced TireBuddy app at the show, representing the latest advancement in digital tyre management technology for service providers.
Several major OE partnerships were announced during the period.
Pirelli secured the position as sole tyre supplier for the McLaren W1 supercar, providing three bespoke fitments (the P Zero R, P Zero Trofeo RS, and P Zero Winter 2) which are the first supercar tyres made from more than 50 per cent bio-based and recycled materials. The tyres are being produced at Pirelli's Settimo Torinese plant in Italy.
Continental secured Porsche approval for multiple tyre lines on the all-electric Macan, offering drivers a choice between the SportContact 6 for dynamic performance and the CrossContact RX for enhanced comfort, alongside the WinterContact TS 860 S for winter conditions. All approved tyres feature XL markings for increased load capacity to handle the weight of electric vehicles.
Hankook won OE supply contracts for Volkswagen's Tiguan and new Tayron SUV models, with 11 different Ventus evo SUV sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches. Development took place at Hankook's Technology Center in Hanover, with production at the company's Rácalmás, Hungary facility.
Yokohama secured fitment for China's BMW i3 with its Advan range, whilst Dunlop announced its Sportsmart TT tyre is equipping the Stark Varg SM electric motorcycle.
Sailun's Ice Blazer Alpine 2 winter tyre earned TÜV SÜD approval after comprehensive testing across twelve disciplines, demonstrating top-level performance in snow acceleration, braking, and handling, plus wet and dry braking. The tyre recorded 69 dB(A) rolling noise.
BKT released independent winter test results for its Ridemax Frost tractor tyre from UTAC's proving grounds in northern Finland. Testing showed shorter braking distances on compacted snow (up to 9% better than second-tier competitors) and stronger traction on ice (33% better in non-studded form).
JK Tyre inaugurated India's first precision tyre buffing and grinding machine for wet grip testing of worn tyres at the NATRAX facility in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. The equipment complies with ECE R117 regulations and enables testing across C1, C2, and C3 vehicle categories.
The European Commission formally initiated an anti-subsidy investigation into car and light truck tyres imported from China, marking the latest escalation in trade tensions. Published on 6 November 2025, the investigation will examine whether Chinese tyre producers have benefitted from unfair government subsidies. The Commission has up to 13 months to complete the investigation, with provisional countervailing duties potentially imposed within nine months. This complements an earlier anti-dumping probe launched in May 2025.
MESNAC held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new production facility in Cambodia's Qilu Special Economic Zone, marking the tyre equipment company's second major Southeast Asian manufacturing base following its Vietnam facility. The "dual factory" structure is designed to create a north-south synergy effect enhancing production capacity and customer response times throughout the region.
Maxion Wheels announced South America growth plans, whilst tyre rubber machinery trade shows continue to expand across Asia. TyreExpo Asia is launching Automrotive on its return to Bangkok, and Tyre & Rubber Indonesia 2026 will form part of INAPA 2026.
Colewood Automotive promoted Mark Widdows to Managing Director of Select+ Automotive Network, a newly branded division offering a bespoke buying group and rewards programme for approximately 1,800-1,900 UK fitting partners. The programme enables members to accumulate rebates from spending with approved supply partners.
Nexen Tire made strategic appointments to strengthen European operations, naming Stephen Park as Managing Director of Nexen Tire UK & Northern Europe, and establishing a new branch office in Bucharest, Romania with Tim Inhoon Jung as Managing Director. Kwan-Hee Park was appointed Team Leader of the EU Marketing Planning Team.
Albourgh Tyres appointed Armando Lima Santos as Sales Manager for Latin America, with the Portuguese national relocating to Brazil to oversee the expansion. Lima Santos brings nearly two decades of tyre industry experience with major manufacturers including Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Prinx Chengshan Tire.
Bohnenkamp SE acquired French wholesaler SAS Copadex, with the deal set to complete by the end of 2025. Former Copadex owner Bruno Clairay will transition into the role of Managing Director under the new ownership.
UPG UK & Ireland appointed Phillip Butcher as Business Development Manager to strengthen its market position.
Prinx Chengshan's Thai operation received a visit from Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jianwei on 31 October 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company's recovery following environmental compliance issues earlier this year. The facility has resumed normal operations and received an "Eco-Champion" certificate from the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), signed by Thailand's Minister of Industry. The company projects output value of RMB3.7 billion (approximately £400 million) for 2025.
A1 ADAS Group reported a sharp surge in demand for 360-degree surround-view camera calibrations, with its Norwich HQ receiving daily deliveries of vehicles from across the UK. Demand is being driven by rapid uptake of vehicles fitted with these systems across brands such as BYD, MG, Omoda, Jaecoo, and Nissan. In October, in-house technicians completed 80 per cent more 360 camera calibrations than in April. The company warned against unsafe practices including attempted calibrations in car parks and the use of unstandardised equipment.
Falken Tyres outlined its technology range and availability strategy in light of 4x4 market pressures, whilst Delphi showcased advanced brake shim technology aimed at improving vehicle safety and performance.
Liqui Moly announced a partnership with German automotive influencer JP Performance, expanding its marketing reach in the European aftermarket sector.
Third-quarter earnings from major manufacturers painted a mixed picture.
Hankook posted record quarterly earnings with tyre division sales of KRW 2.7070 trillion (approximately £1.43 billion), underpinned by strong demand for larger rim sizes (47.4% of PCLT sales) and EV tyres (27% of PCLT sales).
Goodyear posted a net loss of US$2.2 billion driven largely by non-cash items and exceptional charges, though its EMEA business returned to profitability on steadier European replacement demand.
Continental recorded a quarterly net loss after recognising approximately €1.1 billion of restructuring costs linked to its ongoing portfolio realignment, though delivered €5.0 billion in sales with €565 million in adjusted EBIT.
Nexen Tire saw third-quarter sales rise 10 per cent year-on-year to KRW 780.7 billion (approximately £412 million), reflecting stable replacement demand.
Titan International delivered revenue of US$466 million, up 4 per cent year-on-year.
Sailun reported operating revenue of RMB 10.0 billion (approximately £1.08 billion), up 18 per cent year-on-year.
This round-up covers major developments across the global tyre industry from early November 2025, encompassing product launches, OE partnerships, regulatory actions, corporate appointments, and financial results that are shaping the sector's direction.
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