Key Learnings from the T.I.R.E. Summit 2024
Christian Stadlmann
CRO at Anyline
Europe’s first T.I.R.E. Summit brought together over 100 automotive executives and decision-makers in Vienna. From the importance of tire data to compliance and automation, here are the main takeaways from this inaugural event.
1. Tire Data is Power
“Tire data is crucial,” stated Anyline CRO, Christian Stadlmann, during his keynote speech. With an estimated 2.7 billion tires on the market, 27% of which are unfit for the road, the industry faces both challenges and opportunities.
Tires are the second-largest running expense for fleet and aftermarket companies. Stadlmann highlighted how leveraging tire data can improve uptime, control tire costs, implement preventive maintenance, and empower consumers by making tire expertise accessible via smartphones.
2. Empowering the Next Generation of Drivers
A common theme among speakers was the shift in how we interact with the digital consumer. Chris Roedel, Chief Solutions Officer at incadea, noted, “We need to meet consumers where they are today, their smartphones. In a world where you can instantly order coffee through an app and skip lines, having a digital journey is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.” Service centers, fleet operators, and garages should focus on enabling customers to book services online, purchase tires, receive maintenance alerts, and get personalized offers on their phones.
Challenges such as building trust and seamless customer experiences across multiple channels were also discussed. Chris McShane, CEO at Avayler and Managing Director at Halfords, showcased how Halfords transformed from a 130-year-old cycling retailer to a leader in automotive services by leveraging digital solutions. “We’re now getting 20% of our total revenue from tire sales in car parks, with no PPC or advertising costs, just our colleagues performing tire scans,” McShane shared.
David Shaw, CEO of Tire Industry Research, added that digitizing the customer journey attracts a new generation of digital workers, further supporting businesses through this paradigm shift.
3. Compliance is Everyone’s Responsibility
The panel discussion on “Compliance and Automation” featured Sophie Lyden, Founder of FreshDriversUK; Bertrand Saint-Supéry, COO at BLACK STAR; Neil Purves, Director of Product Management at Bridgestone; and Daniel Albertini, VP of Professional Services at Anyline. They discussed how technology enhances tire safety and compliance through real-time data analysis and predictive maintenance tools. These technologies enable regular tire condition checks, ensuring they meet safety standards and compliance regulations.
Machine learning and AI can provide insights into wear patterns and potential failures, allowing proactive maintenance and reducing accident risks. This is particularly significant for autonomous vehicles, where continuous monitoring and data-driven decision-making are essential for safety.
Sophie Lyden emphasized that education and user awareness are pivotal in improving tire safety. “Regulation alone isn’t enough. Vehicle owners must ensure their cars and tires are safe,” she urged. Bridgestone and other manufacturers are pushing for better education on tire safety, suggesting that simple checks and routine maintenance can significantly enhance road safety.
4. Key Trends
Insights from the US Market
Zach Olson, CEO of Treads, highlighted the growing demand for connected cars. “Consumers are ready, willing, and wanting this connected car experience,” he said. With rising car ownership and repair costs, owners are keeping their vehicles longer. New technologies that provide consumers with information about their cars, notify them when service is required, and offer personalized deals are trending in the US market. Olson noted, “This technology will lower maintenance costs for consumers through efficiency gains and new business models.”
Human-Centric Approach
Despite rapid technological advancements, successful digital transformation in the tire industry hinges significantly on addressing human factors. “These solutions are 10% technology and 90% people”, said David Shaw. Decision-makers within organizations may harbor concerns regarding the risks and complexities associated with adopting new technologies. Educating and engaging these stakeholders is crucial to fostering a culture that embraces innovation and change.
Sustainability
Future compliance and resource management are becoming crucial in the tire industry. Neil Purves from Bridgestone mentioned that regulations might soon require companies to ensure that tires are responsibly removed and recycled, conserving natural resources like steel and rubber, and contributing to environmental sustainability.
The European product passport, already introduced for batteries and expected to apply to tires by 2027-2028, will facilitate traceability. The Global Data Service Organization for Tires (GDSO) will play a crucial role in uniquely identifying products and providing comprehensive information through a tire information system, ensuring better tracking and resource utilization.
These insights from the T.I.R.E. Summit 2024 highlight the industry’s future directions and the pivotal role of technology and education in enhancing tire safety and sustainability.
Conclusion
The T.I.R.E. Summit 2024 underscored the transformative potential of data, digital solutions, and sustainable practices in the tire and automotive industries. By embracing these insights, industry leaders can drive innovation, enhance safety, and meet evolving market demands.
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