The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada News
TRELLEBORG, Sweden — Trelleborg Wheel Systems is looking to expand its business in two-wheeler tires by setting up a venture in India to make the company’s Mitas-brand motorcycle and scooter tires.
CLEVELAND—The worldwide market for rubber processing chemicals is poised to grow 4.9 percent annually, from $3.63 billion last year to more than $5.31 billion by 2025, according to new research from Global Market Insights. The CAGR figure is in line with other markets reports on the rubber processing chemicals sector. Some studies, however, project …
NEW YORK, Nov. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — In terms of value, the rubber process oil market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2018 to 2023.
Nokian Tires announced it has opened a new research and development center in Nokia, Finland to address demand for premium heavy duty tires.
The modern research and development center accelerates the testing phase of new tire models, maintaining the premium quality that Nokian Tires has been known for 120 years.
“In the entire history of Nokian Tires, this is the most remarkable investment in the product development of heavy tires”, says Nokian Heavy Tires R & D Manager Kalle Kaivonen.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. International Trade Commission has scheduled a hearing for Jan. 8 on proposed antidumping and countervailing import duties on certain steel commercial vehicle wheels from China in Washington.
Growth opportunities abound in the global market for artificial turf as residential and commercial property owners increasingly focus on ways of keeping lawns green even during the rising incidences of draughts across the globe. Along with providing an easy way of conserving the water otherwise spent on keeping natural grass alive, artificial grass, or artificial turf as it is often referred to, helps eliminate the need for timely maintenance, elimination in the amount of hazardous chemicals that natural grass lawns are subjected to, and are cost efficient owing to long workable life.
Apollo Tyres announced that the prices of its Vredestein brand consumer tires will increase by up to 6% starting Jan. 1.
The company said the price hike is in line with the rising raw material and logistics costs.
Currently, Vredestein consumer tires are produced in Europe from the company’s manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands and the recently inaugurated plant in Hungary.
“Rob has been influential in shaping market strategy for the OTR tire business and has played a critical role in delivering key product launches,” said Bridget Neal, President, OTR, U.S. and Canada, BATO. “His proven leadership and deep understanding of our customer base will enable us to deliver integrated products, services and technologies that meet the emerging needs of our customers.”
In her new role, Walsh will lead Firestone Ag sales strategy and execution in North America. She will oversee a portfolio of business that includes agricultural tires, tracks and integrated tire-wheel assemblies in both the OE and replacement tire channels.
Rising incomes in emerging markets have led to the rapid growth of motorcycle ownership, particularly in Asia, resulting in a strong increase in motorcycle tire sales. Growth is being driven by the increasing number of households in industrializing regions that are now able to afford motorcycles.
Motorcycle tire market demand is estimated to rise to $19.4 billion in 2023, representing an annual compound growth of 6.5% from $14.2 billion in 2018, according to Smithers Rapra data.
In the report The Future of Motorcycle Tires to 2023, Smithers Rapra attributes growth to rising living standards, urbanization and mobility improvements, demographics, and technological changes. Those with disposable income are showing growing interest in motorcycles, including electric and self-balancing models and other new technologies.
The highest growth is seen in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by China and India. Data shows that by 2023, Asia-Pacific’s region share will be over 16 million units. Japan-based multinational companies such as Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha dominate the two-wheeler sector’s world market.
Trends in mobility
The evolution of mobility and transportation technologies, along with road conditions, play a role in customer preferences, driving patterns, tire wear, and ultimately motorcycle and tire design.
The role of motorcycle tires is complex, and they must satisfy performance and safety parameters depending on the application and type of motorcycle. There is extreme variation of motorcycle tire types depending on vehicle characteristics, intended driving surfaces, and tire construction.
Evolving tire construction
Developments in tire materials continue to include new compounds, as well as a greater range of compounds, to optimize the attributes most required by industry and to better target tires to applications, according to Smithers Rapra.
Among performance and safety attributes, grip remains the most important and is still being improved even as other attributes compete for attention. A trend towards a richer silica content is ongoing, owing to the importance of grip. Carbon black is also important, with the grades used in motorcycle tires similar to those used in ultra-high-performance and race car tires. Traditionally, all motorcycle tires were bias ply. A clear trend for motorcycles up to 400cc is the increased use of radial tires, especially seen in Asia and South America where they are equipped on more sporty motorcycles.
The impact of electrification
Electrification will initiate further tire evolution, as will the requirements of motorcycle connectivity and progressive automation, leading eventually to ‘smart’ tires. Tires will be expected to have sensors measuring and reporting pressure, temperature, grip, road surface conditions, and tire wear/condition.
Smithers Rapra market report The Future of Motorcycle Tires to 2023 offers in-depth analysis of the economic demand and growth of the global motorcycle tire market from 2018-2023, and cutting-edge technology developments in materials, components, design, and safety attributes.
Baoji, China – Finixx has signed contract to build a plant with capacity to produce 5 million self-sealing tires a year in Baoji, Shaanxi province.
Located at the city’s Jinhe Industrial Park, the project has €126 million (1 billion yuan) investment earmarked with 667,000 sqm total area, according to reporting by local broadcaster Baoji Radio.
A Chinese sales centre will also be built at the site, the reports from this month also indicated.
A maker of bullet-proof military tires as…