Tire industry on a roll: Trends, challenges

Whether tires will be on a roll in the years ahead relies on how they adapt to technology that revolutionizes the automotive industry, according to Goodyear senior director of external science and technology program Surendra Chawla at a recent ITEC in Focus event held in Ohio. "Innovate" and "cooperate" are what he said the tire industry needs to do to make the best out of emerging trends.

In his talk, Chawla mentioned that autonomous driving is among the biggest market drivers their company is keeping an eye on. As vehicles get smarter, customers will be needing more connected tires, which are now in the works. There is also an expected rise in need for safer tires that withstand harsh environments and are made under energy-efficient processes. No surprise on safety, for if we are headed to a driverless future, passenger security should be a given area of improvement in cars and tires. Instrumental to this are stricter tire labeling regulations, which Chawla said has been carried out for some time already in some countries, with Brazil following in 2016 and the US and China soon. In China, makers are rolling out tires that have good wet traction and improved patterns designed for different weather conditions and terrain.

Another major driver is automotive and tire market complexity. More cars are requiring different tire specifications. An example given was the Chevy Impala that needs seven. This means suppliers and importers must consider stocking up complex tire makes. Engines of electric and smart cars are also improving, allowing for increased speed and longer mileage. The next generation of tires should be able to match better engine capabilities as well.

Chawla pointed out, too, that there will be a bigger focus on ride experience-improving tires in the near future.

As for challenges, fuel economy rules, emissions and noise control are concerns in the automotive market. Currently, manufacturers are also concentrating on releasing noiseless, ultralightweight, low rolling-resistance and good-handle tires.