All set for Hanover debut

Based on article originally published in ERJ Jan/Feb 2016 issue.

Hanover, Germany - Tire Technology Expo encompasses both a conference and exhibition of materials, manufacturing and related technologies for all parts the tire industry supply chain.

TTE 2016, the event’s 16th staging, will the biggest to date, according to UK-based organiser UKIP. This year, it said, has seen an overall increase of nearly 25 percent in the exhibits area filled by a record number of exhibitors.

This indicates that TTE has not suffered any fall-out from its move to Hanover. The relocation was linked to last year’s surprise launch of another tire industry event at TTE’s former home, the Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany.

“We have seen unprecedented growth in the expo during the last three years and we are delighted to be presenting this year’s TTE exhibition and conference in Hanover,” said Tony Robinson, show founder and organiser, on the event’s website.

A major feature of TTE is its extensive conference programmes, which covers almost every possible aspect of tire technology across a three-day programme.

The conference is divided into a series of themed sessions, which for 2016 will include: Techno-economic futures; Automotive session and panel; Tire production – future visions; Insights into tire science; Materials – polymers; Regulations and compliance; Process innovations; Modelling, Tire innovations; Tire testing – on track; Logistics and distribution; Sustainability; Tire testing – in laboratory; Materials, fillers and additives; and Reinforcements.

The conference will kick off in earnest with a presentation by Meng-Jiao Wang of the EVE Rubber Institute in Qingdao, China. He will explain a radical new solution-phase mixing technology in which solution-polymerised rubbers are mixed in the liquid phase with silica. The technology is said to deliver “perfect dispersion” of silica and enhance polymer-filler interaction while lowering filler-filler

interaction. The resulting masterbatches can yield compounds that further expand the wear-wet-grip-fuel economy triangle.

Next up, Christian Kötz, executive vice president, Continental AG, will present scenarios for the future of individual mobility and their potential impact on tire technology. The company’s research in this area promises ‘interesting results’ and will be offered as food for thought for the industry.

In another first-morning presentation, Paul Ita, president of Notch Consulting, will examine the prospects for carbon black and silica, particularly focusing on the battle for market share in passenger car and truck tires.

Robert Simmons, head of rubber and tire research, LMC International, UK will then discuss the impact of the slowdown in growth within emerging markets. He will compare trends in mature- and emerging-market tire demand, both for OE and replacement tire sales, and examine the effect of US import duties on Chinese tires on the global tire market.

European tire distribution trends will be the focus for Rutger Veerman, managing director of Vimexa Automotive BV. His topics will include; key players, distributors and retail organisations in Europe; supply and distribution trends; pricing and transparency of B2B/B2C portals; and Asian imports.

Another feature of the Hanover event will be the Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence 2016, with categories including: Environmental Achievement of the Year; Tire Technology of the Year; Tire Industry Supplier of the Year; Tire Manufacturing Innovation of the Year; and Tire Manufacturer of the Year.