The Tire Cologne 2026 – Updates & Preview

International tire & wheel industry expo The Tire Cologne 2026, taking place 9-11 June in in Cologne, Germany will showcase developments in tires, rims and machinery as well as new materials and digital technologies that address ongoing transition in the global tire market.

NEWS & UPDATES

Nois reduction

Korea's ACE Chemical, in partnership with Zesto Germany, is set to present an automated "in-line foaming technology" for acoustic tire production at Tire Cologne, according to a social media post by Dayoung Kang, managing director of Zesto Germany. The technology is claimed to achieves a "30-second takt time," which Kang described as four times faster than traditional manual bonding processes used in silent tire manufacturing. The system is also claimed to deliver cavity noise reductions of 11 decibels, with peaks of up to 16.1 decibels, based on work carried out with BASF Korea. According to Kang, the adhesive-free process eliminates volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions associated with glues and could simplify tire recycling while reducing logistics and warehousing costs through the use of liquid polyurethane. 

AI in tires

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant prospect for the tire manufacturing industry: it is already reshaping how tires are designed, made, sold and recycled. That’s according to AI strategy developer Sanjay Sauldie, who adds however that while “the rhetoric around AI often veers toward revolution, reality on the factory floor points more evolutionary change than any overnight disruption." (Read more)

AZur: Retreading under pressure

Europe’s retreading industry is facing increasing economic pressure, with 75% of the industry describing the current market situation as “critical” or “declining”, according to a new AZuR survey, the results of which will be presented during Tire Cologne. (Read more)

Exhibitor forecast

Organised by Kölnmesse and the German Tyre Trade Association (BRV), The Tire Cologne 2026 will feature around 350 exhibitors from 32 countries. Around 15,000 trade visitors from over 110 countries are expected. The trade fair remains one of the world's most important industry platforms,” said Kölnmesse. “It reflects the entire market structure – from international, premium manufacturers through established brands to budget providers.”

Hankook: Number of firsts

Hankook will present a full line-up of tires as well as, for the first time, products from the Korean group’s battery division. The main focus will be on passenger car and truck tire ranges, featuring two new products from the winter and performance segments. Also featuring will be passenger car tires from associate brand Laufenn, including the new Laufenn S Fit 2 summer tire. Two ‘mobility studies’ will also be presented to the public for the first time, to underline Hankook’s commitment to innovation. Hankook will also be represented once again at the AZuR stand with its own Alphatread retread brand.

Linglong Tire: To premiere car and truck tires

For the first time in Europe, Linglong will display its new Linglong UHP tire Sport Master II, the successor to the Linglong Sport Master, which will be available in stores from spring 2027.  The “most important” passenger car profiles of the Linglong Masters series will be on display, as well as a sustainable concept tire and the latest OTR profiles.  In the truck segment, Linglong will premiere four new tread patterns in Cologne, including a trailer tire with optimised rolling resistance for long-haul transport and two brand-new bus tires for city buses and coaches. 

The Tire Cologne: Extended role

According to The Tire Cologne director Ingo Riedeberger, this year's event will provide a central platform for orientation, exchange around themes including economic efficiency, sustainability, new technologies and market shifts at a time of geopolitical disruption. "Our role extends well beyond a pure product exhibition,” he stated. "We set themes, we create orientation, we provide the industry with impulses – and that at the international level."

JK Tyre: Engineered for Europe

Indian tire maker JK Tyre & Industries will present its truck & bus radial range and launch a new passenger car and van tire line-up. Engineered specifically for Europe, the tires are said to combine “performance, safety, and efficiency for modern mobility.” JK Tyre is the world’s 19th largest tire manufacturer from India and is present in more than 100 countries, serving diverse mobility segments across passenger, commercial and specialty applications.

Hankook: New concept tires

Hankook will spotlight two design concepts, including the ‘sustainable concept tire’ produced layer-by-layer using 3D printing of recycled and renewable materials. It also features an organic tread design inspired by efficiency principles found in nature. A second concept, the WheelBot 2 robotic platform, was developed specifically for the PathCruizer, a two-seater mobility pod powered by this very platform. Special spherical wheels allow it to move in all directions—sideways, diagonally, or on the spot—unlocking new possibilities for urban mobility solutions.

ZC Rubber: Expanded range

At The Tire Cologne 2026, ZC Rubber will showcase an expanded Westlake and Goodride portfolio for the European market. These will include new PCR products scheduled for launch in H2/26, alongside ZC’s established TBR range, and selected preview planned for 2027. One of the highlights will be the upgraded Westlake Sport RS2, developed further through our ongoing collaboration with the Red Bull Driftbrothers.

Linglong Tire: Brand developments

Linglong Tire will also present its Crosswind, Leao and Green Max brands in addition to the main Linglong Tire brand. The latest Linglong OE tires will be presented, as well as the Green Max brand, which will be marketed as an independent brand in Europe in the future. The latest car and truck profiles from the Crosswind and Leao Group brands, which are now produced exclusively in Europe, will also be shown, including the new Crosswind Dura Peak Van van tire for the first time. 

Vipal Rubber:  EV tread advance

Brazil-headquartered Vipal Rubber will highlight its well-established presence & operations in the EMEA region, with displays including three retreaded tires with Vipal treads – the DV-UMe, VL170A and VT570. These products, it said, “already have strong acceptance in the European market, especially in Germany, demonstrating the company's solutions' adherence to the region's operational demands.”  The DV-Ume, Vipal's first tread developed for EVs, is currently undergoing final testing in various European countries, including Spain, Portugal, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, with “very positive results.”

Hankook: Hungary TBR investment

Hankook is currently investing €540m to add a production line for truck and bus tires at its factory in Hungary by 2027. As announced in 2023, the project will introduce capacity for up to 800k units/yr. “With targeted investment in production, products and service offerings, we are strengthening our commercial vehicle tire business in Germany and Europe,” said Manfred Zoni, head of sales, truck and bus, at Hankook in Germany.

More to follow…