Review of THE TIRE COLOGNE 2024

THE TIRE COLOGNE 2024 was characterized by numerous innovations, exciting talks and moving moments. The promise made in advance by trade fair director Ingo Riedeberger that this year's edition would be a very personal one could be felt everywhere.

The positive atmosphere in the exhibition halls reflected the industry's need for personal encounters and networking. The stands of the international exhibitors offered plenty of space for joint discussions and exchanges with visitors. The many expert presentations and panels as well as special areas such as Werkstatt LIVE also promoted knowledge transfer and networking.

Current and future-oriented industry topics were discussed on the central TIRE Stage. One of the event highlights there was a visit from the two influencers Benny Leuchter and Philipp Kaess on the second day of the trade fair. The motorsport specialist and the renowned automotive journalist shared their experiences with the audience.

At the Werkstatt LIVE demo area initiated by the BRV, the trade fair presented the digital workshop requirements of the future to visitors together with partner companies Hunter and Würth. Processes relating to diagnostic and repair technologies such as quick measurement including driver assistance calibration and glass service were illustrated and new products for the specialist tire trade were presented.

There was a lot to learn about the hot topic of sustainability at the trade fair. Current developments in retreading and the circular economy were discussed at expert panels in the Circular Economy Forum. Technology solutions for material and chemical tire recycling, such as cold grinding with liquid nitrogen, played a special role.

The forward-looking used tire resolution of the AZuR network for the sustainability of the industry was signed on the large stage in Hall 6. More than 70 European organizations, associations and institutions are already working as partners for efficient used tyre recycling in Europe.

The topic of sustainability also played a major role in the exhibitors' new products. Falken Tyre, for example, presented an environmentally friendly successor to the “ZIEX ZE320 Ecorun” model at the trade fair. The rubber compound of the new high-performance tire “ZIEX ZE320” is enriched with silica from the husks of rice grains, which saves more CO2 during production but does not impair performance.

Albourgh introduced the new “Aurora” winter tire series at the trade fair, which is suitable for re-profiling and whose carcasses can be reprocessed for a second life. One of Pirelli's trade fair highlights was the “P Zero E” summer tire for electric cars made from more than 55 percent bio-based and recycled materials. With the new run-forward technology, it should be possible to continue driving at low speeds of up to 40 km/h even in the event of a flat tire.

The fact that e-mobility is advancing rapidly around the world was also evident at many other trade fair stands. Various tire manufacturers presented their innovations for the special requirements of electric cars. Hankook, for example, celebrated a double premiere in Cologne: the “iON GT” model for electric vehicles with a high proportion of recycled materials and the new “e-SMART City AU56” tire for fully electric city buses support the maximum range per battery charge.

The new “SALEKS E-X1” tire from CST Tires, which combines low rolling resistance with reduced noise and high stability for electric cars, also promises more range.

Due to the new TPMS obligation for commercial vehicles, innovations in this area were also a particular focus. Sensor specialist Hamaton presented its “EU-Pro Truck 1.0” truck sensors in Cologne, which fit seamlessly into existing tire changing and maintenance procedures for trucks, buses and trailers. With the universal sensors “IntelliSens UVS” and “ECS”, exhibitor BH Sens showed applications that impress with their short programming time. Alcar also presented state-of-the-art TPMS sensors for everything that rolls on wheels at the trade fair - including a new universal sensor for motorcycles.

Continental has new tires for trucks in its range with the “Conti Eco 5”, which is characterized by low rolling resistance and high mileage. The new edition of the “Athos” truck tire from Hämmerling celebrated its premiere with improved label values as well as new sizes and treads. The new “Colmenar” from MatraX Tyres is a robust light truck tire that offers unsurpassed durability, efficiency and safety. For easier balancing of truck and bus wheels, Haweka Werkstatt-Technik presented the new “BM 850 P EasyHit” balancing machine to the international trade public for the first time.

Racing fans also got their money's worth in the lively exhibition halls - and not just because of the sports cars on display at some of the stands. The British label Davanti presented its first racing tire at THE TIRE COLOGNE, as well as an off-road model with exceptional off-road grip. The new “Victra Sport 6” from the MAXXIS brand - an ultra-high-performance tire specially developed for sporty driving - also offers high-precision handling when cornering in wet and dry conditions.

In the light alloy wheel segment, the Swiss Ronal Group presented the “Ronal RR10 Racing” model from the Classic Line, which revives the multi-piece “Ronal Racing” wheel. It can also be fitted with a central locking look to create a motorsport feel.

With the numerous innovations from exhibitors and the diverse program, THE TIRE COLOGNE 2024 not only proved to be the ideal B2B platform. It was also the place to exchange ideas, drive innovation and shape the future of the industry together. “This event was full of positive energy from day one and clearly showed how important this stage is for establishing and expanding international business relationships in the industry,” emphasized Oliver Frese, Managing Director of Koelnmesse, at the end of this year's edition.

In two years' time, THE TIRE COLOGNE will take place from June 9 to 11, 2026.