What to change in – the situation on the tire market (autumn-winter 2022)

Bridgestone

The factory has been shut down for more than six months (as early as March 14). However, the decision to leave the market has not been taken, the payment of salaries to employees continues as usual. Finished products are not imported – only leftovers are sold.

However, the end of the relationship has not yet been determined. Here’s what company officials say: “…Bridgestone is closely monitoring the situation and considering options that provide a long-term solution for businesses, partners and employees.”

Michelin

The group has already announced its withdrawal from the Russian market, but the Davydovo tire factory remains. Another form of ownership of the plant will be announced in November-December this year. At the moment the factory is not working, but the reform process does not stop, the management of the factory is transferred to the Russians. The winter tire range on the market is presented at a level comparable to last year. Maybe there are some problems with separate (large) sizes.

good year

The company has taken a break, the supply of tires to Russia has been suspended. But the Russian office is functioning to a limited extent – they are selling the leftovers.

Continental

The company still continues to operate in Russia. The factory is running on a limited basis, the winter production program is almost complete and the production of summer tires is starting.

The legendary Gislaved brand is back. This season, Gislaved Nord Frost 200 spikes and Gislaved Soft Frost 200 friction clutches are already on the market.

Pirelli

Both tire factories (Voronezh and Kirov) are active to a limited extent. In the production of winter products, stocks of spikes provided by the technical process were used. Large tire sizes are not produced, but if possible imported from abroad.

Marketing activity is significantly limited. Foreign personnel have been requested to leave Russia and the possibility of handing over leadership to the Russians is being considered.

Few people know that Pirelli Ice Zero FR tires have been significantly reduced in price. They are currently equal to or even slightly lower than the Nordman RS2 (Nokian’s second-tier product, which was 20 percent cheaper a year ago).

Today, Ice Zero FR is the most profitable purchase in terms of value for money.

Nokian Tyres

The company sells the plant in Vsevolozhsk, which continues to operate under the leadership of the Russian team, reducing production by about half. However, this autumn Nokian and Nordman are missing winter tires, popular in Russia, in different sizes. There is even a novelty: the Hakkapeliitta R5 friction tire, which in size 195/65 R15 managed to win in our test.

Yokohama

With periodic stops, it produces tires at a factory in the Lipetsk region and imports through Japan.

cordiant

Domestic holding company with factories in Yaroslavl and Omsk. In terms of volumes and standard tire sizes, it is ready for the winter and is switching to the production of summer models. Although this had to change the logistics of imported components. It is noteworthy that Kordiant has its own scientific and technical center in Moscow, as well as a test center in Yaroslavl, which includes a bench laboratory and a mini-test site.

And this is the only tire company in Russia that, under sanction restrictions, has completed the development of a new Gravity tire in passenger and crossover versions in September. Details on the novelty will be published next spring in “Behind the Wheel”.

kama tires

Another Russian tire complex is in operation and under development. Last year, despite the covid restrictions, I was able to launch the new Kama Alga studded tire. The test, in which the novelty participated in the size 195/65 R15, was published in the November issue of the magazine “Behind the Rulem” (on sale soon) and will appear on the site in November.

This year, the plant was not only able to maintain production volumes, but also to increase them. In the first six months, it produced 6.6 million passenger and truck tires, 8% more than in the first half of 2021. It continues to prepare new products, including Kama Quadro ATM tires for ATVs, expanding the size range by 42 ( !) sizes.

Hankook

The ambitious South Korean company has not yet left our market – a final decision on this has not yet been made. Tires are still imported through Japan and South Korea. The supply of products made in Hungary is at stake.

Dunlop

The Japanese manufacturer has decided to stop trading in Russia and closes its representative office. The decision is clearly politicized, as this company has a factory in Turkey, which is open to us, which produces both winter and summer tyres.

Chinese manufacturers

They look positively at our market, as the demand for tires in the European market is falling. Popular brands in China have been activated Landsail, Delinte, Triangle and sailunas well as new brands representing a cheaper segment.

In our summer car and crossover tire tests this summer, the Chinese tire industry was represented by Sailun tyres. The results will be presented next year in the spring issues of Za Rulem magazine.

sad arithmetic

There are tires on the market – both with studs and with friction. In this way we do not have to drive in frost and on ice in the “summer”. But another question arises: how much will they cost?

I compared how winter tire prices have changed over the past four years – it got sad. The annual price increase was a few years ago (for the period from 2018 to 2020) from 5 to 10 percent.

In 2020-2021, the price tags have changed by 30-35 percent. And by 2022, tires will have risen in price by as much as 40 to 65 percent.

It appears that during this period prices have increased by an average of 100%. That is, twice. In just four years! And, judging by the situation, the growth won’t stop there.

• “Behind the wheel” can also be read in Telegram.