Mid-year Report: Top tire makers talk EVs, expansions

AKRON — Tire Business' 2023 Mid-Year Tire Report is out now.

The annual Mid-Year Report asks top tire makers to both look back at the last six months of business and look forward to the rest of the year and beyond.

Among insights this year, tire makers gave their perspectives on the growing electric vehicle (EV) market and how manufacturers are responding to increased demand for EV-compatible OE and aftermarket tires. Some tire makers, such as Continental Tire the Americas and Giti Tire America are pointing to their existing tire lines as already being EV compatible, while others, such as Sailun Tire Americas are rolling out new ranges of EV-specific tires.

We also asked tire makers about new facilities, product launches and innovations. Among the highlights:

• Giti's ongoing expansion at its Richburg, S.C. plant allowing them to bring new sizes and premium products to the market;
• Qingdao Doublestar Group bringing new products to the U.S. thanks to a planned plant in Cambodia;
• Nexen eyeing the Southeast U.S. for a new plant;
• Kenda growing its Klever light-truck tire brand;
• Pirelli growing its premium tire segment as well as revamping its dealer network.

The complete Mid-Year Report is available now for subscribers.