Tire Technology & Manufacturing

Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. has developed a new simulation technique called “Tyre Aerodynamic Simulation” for use in EV tire development. To reduce energy consumption and increase the range of EVs, it is important to minimize both rolling resistance as well as air resistance around the tire. Sumitomo will pursue the development of a tire profile that optimizes aerodynamic performance. By visualizing the airflow around the tire of a moving vehicle through its own AI powered simulation, Sumitomo will use the findings to develop a low energy consumption next-generation tire to be launched in 2027.

As early as 2021, the tire manufacturer focused on the use of silica from agricultural waste, polyester from recycled PET and other renewable and recyclable materials with the Conti GreenConcept concept tire. Continental has now incorporated many of these technologies into its series tires. With the UltraContact NXT, the company launched the most sustainable series tire to date last year. This underlines Continental’s claim to be the most progressive manufacturer in the tire industry when it comes to sustainability.

The snow chain-integrated tire technology consists of a wheel and tire assembly that feature radial grooves at regular intervals, like a pizza, with modules made of shape memory alloy inserted into these channels.

This technology takes advantage of the shape memory alloy’s ability to return to its original shape when an electric current is applied. During normal driving, the shape memory alloy located inside the wheel is compressed into the shape of the letter ‘L’ and does not contact the road surface. When the driver activates the function, an electric current is applied, causing the shape memory alloy to revert to its original profile; the material forms a ‘J’ shape, pushing the module out of the tire to make contact with the surface, improving grip, stability and safety on snowy roads.

The latest Pirelli marking was used for the first time on the P Zero E. This tire contains more than 55% of materials of bio-based and recycled origin* throughout the entire range at launch, as certified by Bureau Veritas: a world leader in verifying conformity and certification in quality, environment, health, safety, and social responsibility standards (ISO14021). Third-party verification of eco-compatible materials will continue to be standard across all future products that adopt the new logo.

Egypt’s Main Development Company for the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) signed a contract with Rolling Plus for chemical industries to build a tire manufacturing plant for passenger cars and light and heavy vehicles with €1 billion ($1.07 billion) investments in Ain Sokhna, read an official statement on Wednesday.