1. Please identify one significant development in the tire industry in the last 2-3 years, and explain its importance.

The growth of alternative powertrains (BEV, HEV, PHEV) will have a significant impact on product development (rolling resistance, noise, tyre sizes, etc)

2. What do you see as main obstacles to the development of the tire manufacturing industry in the coming years?

Increasing competition between afters sales channels (authorized dealers, fast fitters, autocenters, MRA, road assistance companies, equities…). Tyre fitters channels will have to change their business model (multiservices)

3. Which technologies will play the biggest role in shaping the ‘tire factory of the future’, and why?

Big data, connected vehicles and alternative motorizations

4. What major changes do you expect to see in tire manufacture and supply over the next few years?

Increasing role of distributors/wholesalers