Bridgestone and tire market shifts in Russia

Bridgestone

The factory has remained idle for over six months, with the shutdown dating back to mid-March at the earliest. Despite this, Bridgestone has not announced a withdrawal from the market, and salary payments to employees continue as normal. Finished products are not being imported; only existing leftovers are being sold off. The final status of the business relationship remains undecided. Company officials stated that Bridgestone is closely monitoring the situation and evaluating options to secure a long term solution for customers, partners and staff.

Michelin

The group has publicly indicated its withdrawal from the Russian market, yet the Davydovo tire plant continues to operate and may undergo ownership changes later in the year. The plant is currently not producing, while the reform process proceeds and management shifts to Russian leadership. The winter tire lineup remains on the market at a level comparable to last year, with possible gaps in some larger sizes.

Goodyear

The company has placed a pause on operations in Russia, suspending tire supply from the region. The Russian office remains open in a limited capacity, selling off remaining inventory where possible.

Continental

Continental continues to operate in Russia with limited capacity. The winter tire program is nearly complete, and preparations for summer tire production are underway. The Gislaved brand has made a comeback, with Nord Frost 200 spikes and Soft Frost 200 friction tires already available this season.

The Kaluga plant can reach a maximum output of four million tires per year. At present, tires produced there carry the Continental, Gislaved and Matador brands.

Pirelli

Both Voronezh and Kirov factories operate at a constrained level. For winter products, pre-existing spike inventories are utilized, and large tire sizes are not produced domestically, with imports possible from abroad when feasible.

Marketing activity has significantly diminished. Foreign personnel have been asked to depart Russia, while leadership transitions to Russian management are being considered. A surprising note is that Pirelli Ice Zero FR tires have seen substantial price reductions, aligning with or even dropping below Nordman RS2, a second tier Nokian product that was about 20 percent cheaper a year prior. Ice Zero FR is currently positioned as a strong value option for buyers.

Nokian Tyres

The plant in Vsevolozhsk is being sold, but the facility continues to operate under Russian leadership, with production scaled back by roughly half. This autumn Winter tires from Nokian and Nordman in common sizes may be in shorter supply. A new model, Hakkapeliitta R5 friction tire in size 195/65 R15, has entered the market and performed well in reviews.

The Vsevolozhsk factory is the largest tire plant in the country, capable of producing about 16 million tires annually. Although the Finnish parent company left Russia, the factory remains active under local management.

Yokohama

Production at a Lipetsk region facility continues with periodic pauses, and imports are routed through Japan.

Cordiant

A domestic holding with plants in Yaroslavl and Omsk, Cordiant is preparing for winter volumes while shifting to summer models. The logistics for imported components have required adjustments. Cordiant operates its own R&D and testing facilities in Moscow and Yaroslavl, including a bench lab and a mini-test site in Yaroslavl. Under sanction constraints, Cordiant has completed the development of a Gravity tire line for passenger cars and crossovers, with details to be published in the spring edition of Behind the Wheel. The holding group includes two plants: passenger tires in Yaroslavl and crossovers in Omsk.

Kama Tires

Another Russian tire complex remains active and expanding. Last year, Kama introduced the new Alga studded tire. A test in size 195/65 R15 was covered in a forthcoming issue of Behind the Rulem and will be available on the site soon. This year Kama managed to not only sustain production but increase it, reporting 6.6 million passenger and truck tires produced in the first half of the year, an 8 percent rise from the first half of 2021. Plans for new products continue, including the Kama Quadro ATM line for ATVs and a broadened size range by 42 sizes.

Hankook

The South Korean producer has not yet exited the market. A final decision remains pending. Tires continue to be imported from Japan and South Korea, with Hungary-made products facing potential disruption.

Dunlop

The Japanese maker has decided to end its Russia operations and closes its representative office. This move appears politically motivated given the presence of a Turkish factory that remains open to supply both winter and summer tires to the region.

Chinese Manufacturers

Chinese brands view the market favorably as European demand softens. Popular Chinese names like Landsail, Delinte, Triangle and Sailun—along with newer price-focused brands—have increased activity. In summer tests of car and crossover tires, Sailun represented the Chinese industry, with results to be published in the spring issue of Za Rulem.

sad arithmetic

Tires are available in both studded and friction varieties, limiting worry about traction during frosts and ice. Still, questions remain about price. The cost trajectory for popular 205/55 R16 studded tires has risen by roughly a thousand rubles over the past year. A look back at four years shows a sharp price climb: 5 to 10 percent from 2018 to 2020, about 30 to 35 percent in 2020–2021, and 40 to 65 percent in 2022. In sum, prices have roughly doubled in four years, and current trends suggest continued growth in the near term. For readers interested in more insights, Behind the Wheel offers ongoing coverage via its Telegram channel as well as print issues (Za Rulem pending updates).