The Tire Cologne 2024: A perfect fit!

The "Tire," as it is often abbreviated, served in 2024 not only for exchange and networking but also as a creative forge for innovations. We also noticed here that Chinese manufacturers are expanding their commitment—with higher quality products, sometimes significantly larger stands, and initial successes in original equipment. Oliver Frese, Managing Director of Koelnmesse, was pleased:

"From the beginning, the event was permeated with positive dynamics and underscored the importance of this platform for building and expanding international business relationships."

The Tire Cologne showcased the three theme worlds of Tires/Rims/Trade, Retreading/Recycling, and Workshop/Vehicle Services. The service sector, in particular, is to be expanded in the future to tap into new business potentials—especially since the topic is gaining importance with increasingly larger leasing and rental fleets. As one insider noted, "Who pays attention to the tires here?"

On the Workshop LIVE demonstration area, future digital requirements in the workshop were demonstrated together with partner companies Hunter and Würth. Stephan Helm, Chairman of the Federal Association of Tire Trade and Vulkaniseur-Handwerk e.V. (BRV), added: "The success of the fair is a clear indication that a strong fair is essential for our industry. This is where the course for future business success is set."

Sustainability in Focus

This year's fair was all about sustainability. Exhibitors launched many innovations that included resource conservation, re- and upcycling. Here, too, we noticed a significantly stronger momentum than in 2022. A highlight was the newly introduced Circular Economy Area in Hall 7, especially for companies specializing in retreading and recycling. The topic was also explored in specific panel discussions at the new Circular Economy Forum. "We not only promote technical innovations but also put socially relevant issues on the agenda that encourage forward-thinking," emphasized Frese.

In this context, the signing of a scrap tire resolution by the Alliance Future Tires initiative during the fair was exciting. This calls for a more sustainable approach to used and new tires. Over 70 European organizations, associations, and institutions are already committed as partners for tire recycling.