As the Tire Technology Expo 2024 draws near, excitement builds with the unveiling of the shortlist for the Tire Technology International Awards 2024, a hallmark of excellence within the global tyre sector. Esteemed for its rigorous selection process, the awards celebrate innovation and expertise, with a distinguished panel of industry and academic leaders casting their votes. This year's ceremony, set to be a highlight of the expo in Hanover, Germany, from March 19 to 21, promises to be a landmark event.
In a nod to the evolving landscape of the tyre industry, 2024 sees the introduction of new award categories, designed to honor a broader spectrum of pioneering efforts. "These additions reflect the dynamic changes within our industry, enabling us to recognize a wider array of innovative projects. We're excited to continue celebrating these achievements in future editions," announced the organizers. Here's a glimpse at the contenders for this year's accolades:
Environmental achievement of the year – Tire design
The first contender is Bridgestone / Ecopia EnlitenThe Bridgestone Ecopia Enliten represents a leap forward in the premium touring summer tire category, combining environmental sustainability with advanced driving performance. Specifically engineered for passenger vehicles, this tire focuses on reducing rolling resistance for enhanced fuel efficiency without compromising on safety or comfort. Its innovative design aims to deliver a balanced driving experience, suitable for a broad range of conditions typical of summer months.
Quick Take
Bridgestone Ecopia Enliten
The second contender is Continental / UltraContact NXT
The Continental UltraContact NXT is a premium touring summer tire designed for passenger vehicles. This tire is engineered to deliver a superior balance of performance, comfort, and safety during the warmer months. Its construction is tailored to enhance the driving experience on both dry and wet roads, ensuring reliable handling and stability.
Quick Take
Continental UltraContact NXT
The third contender is Goodyear / ElectricDrive 2
The Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 is an ultra-high performance all-season tire, specifically tailored for electric vehicles (EVs). Introduced at CES® 2024, this tire is a successor to the ElectricDrive GT, offering advancements in sustainability, performance, and noise reduction. It is designed to enhance EV performance while addressing the unique demands of electric mobility. The ElectricDrive 2 integrates at least 50% sustainable materials, setting a new benchmark in environmentally conscious tire manufacturing.
Quick Take
Goodyear ElectricDrive 2
The fourth contender is Pirelli / P Zero E
The Pirelli P Zero E, currently awaiting its official launch, is a cutting-edge, ultra-high-performance summer tire conceptualized exclusively for electric vehicles (EVs). Drawing inspiration from Pirelli's unwavering dedication to innovation and environmental sustainability, this tire is formulated with over 55% bio-based and recycled materials, underscoring the brand's vision for a greener and efficient future
Quick Take
Pirelli P Zero E
The fifth contender is Toyo / Proxes CF3
The Toyo Proxes CF3, a premium touring summer tire, is set to be released in January 2024 in Japan. As a successor to the Proxes CF2, it is designed with a strong emphasis on reducing rolling resistance, aimed at enhancing the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engine vehicles and extending the range of electric cars. The Proxes CF3 aligns with Japan's environmental goals, particularly in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and achieving carbon neutrality.
Quick Take
Toyo Proxes CF3
Environmental achievement of the year – Manufacturing
- ReTyre sustainable production - a bicycle tyre manufacturer that has replaced rubbers with biologically derived thermoplastic elastomers
- Sumitomo Rubber Industries using hydrogen and solar energy for tire production
- Synthos and OMV – sustainable butadiene project
- Yokohama produces Yokohama / ADVAN Sport EV V108 using proprietary solar panel power generation system
Quick Take
N/A 22
Yokohama ADVAN Sport EV V108
- This tire replaced Yokohama / ADVAN Sport V107
- Year Released: 2023
- Regions for sale: Europe, Japan
Environmental achievement of the year – Industry contribution
- Allianz Zukunft Reifen/CTS Bitumen – Innovative rubber modified asphalt
- Bekaert rSteel certification - use of recycled steel in the production of metal cord
- The BlackCycle Project
- Contec – ELT processing
- Zeppelin Sustainable Tire Alliance
Innovation of the Year - Chemicals and Rubber Compounds
- Cabot presents E2C DX9660, a compound enhancing durability and wear resistance.
- Maxxis introduces Maxxspeed, a bicycle tyre rubber compound designed for lower rolling resistance.
- Pirelli's SC0 offers a soft compound tailored for rear racing tyres, boosting cornering grip.
- Toyo's Proxes R track tyre compound is engineered for superior traction.
Innovation of the Year - Materials
- Actifine by Atlantis Rubber Powders, offers functionalised crumb rubber.
- Goodyear and Visolis collaborate on producing isoprene from renewable materials.
- Origin Materials delivers eco-friendly carbon fibre solutions.
- Teijin Aramid enhances performance with Twaron aramid fibres.
Breakthrough in Research
- Carbon Rivers innovates with graphene nanoplatelet flakes.
- Goodyear Sightline introduces "intelligent" tyres poised to detect and report risks of hydroplaning.
- Sumitomo's technology captures energy as the tyre rolls.
- A collaborative effort by Yokohama and Shinshu University aims to minimize rubber compound cracking.
Innovation of the Year - Manufacturing
- Color Service advances with robotics technology.
- Comerio Ercole's Fasteel focuses on metal cord processing efficiency.
- Himile revolutionizes with an electric heating system for vulcanizing presses.
- Rodolfo Comerio presents a system for optimizing calendar use.
Supplier of the Year
- Black Donuts Engineering stands out in tyre and tyre plant innovation.
- Cabot Corporation excels in carbon black production.
- Flexsys is recognized for its diverse chemical supply to the tyre industry.
- 4Jet leads with laser labelling solutions.
- Uzer Makina is noted for its vulcanizing presses.
Concept of the Year
- Continental's Conti CityPlus tyre is celebrated for its enhanced energy efficiency.
- Goodyear develops a tyre specifically for the Opel Experimental Concept.
- Hyundai-Kia introduces tyres featuring deployable "snow chains" for enhanced traction.
- Toyo is acknowledged for its commitment to eco-friendly materials in tyre production.
Tire of the year
The first contender is Continental / AllSeasonContact 2The Continental AllSeasonContact 2, a successor to the reputable AllSeasonContact, is a premium touring all-season tire meant for passenger cars. Released in 2023 and primarily aimed at the European market, it's a testament to Continental's commitment to technology, safety, and performance, regardless of the weather.
Quick Take
Continental AllSeasonContact 2
The second contender is Falken / Azenis RS820
The Falken Azenis RS820 is engineered for the extreme performance summer category, designed to deliver unparalleled handling and grip for enthusiasts seeking the utmost in driving performance. Crafted with advanced materials, its structure aims to maximize road contact and responsiveness in warm weather conditions.
Quick Take
Falken Azenis RS820
The third contender is Hankook / iON FlexClimate
The Hankook iON FlexClimate emerges as a pioneering solution in the ultra-high performance all-season tire segment, designed for passenger electric vehicles seeking year-round driving excellence. This tire encapsulates the latest in Hankook's innovation, offering superior traction, handling, and durability across diverse weather conditions. Its engineering is aimed at drivers who demand high performance without the need to switch between seasonal tire sets.
Quick Take
Hankook iON FlexClimate
The fourth contender is Pirelli / Scorpion MS
The Pirelli Scorpion MS is a crossover/SUV touring all-season tire designed for light trucks and SUVs. Tailored for drivers seeking year-round versatility, it combines the durability required for light trucks with the comfort and performance desired by SUV owners. This tire is engineered to offer a balanced performance across a wide range of weather conditions, from sunny days to light winter conditions, ensuring safety and reliability throughout the year.
Quick Take
Pirelli Scorpion MS
Factory fitted to:
The fifth contender is Yokohama / Advan Sport EV A/S
The Yokohama Advan Sport EV A/S is an all-season tire specifically designed for electric vehicles (EVs). This tire is tailored to meet the unique requirements of EVs, such as increased torque and weight due to batteries. It features a reinforced construction to handle the additional stress while providing a comfortable, quiet ride.
Quick Take
Yokohama Advan Sport EV A/S
