Foreword from the Chief Executive
Welcome to the first edition of the BTMA Newsletter.
This new platform is an important step in how we share progress, celebrate achievements, and connect with our members and wider stakeholders. Over recent months, we’ve been laying the foundations for a more visible and engaged BTMA—reflected in our updated branding, stronger LinkedIn presence, and the development of a new members’ area to support transparency and collaboration.
Our involvement in major events such as the Tire Industry Project (TIP) global conference, the Ogmore River clean-up campaign, and the upcoming BTMA Retread Forum Day reflects our growing leadership across the tyre sector. These engagements—alongside our evolving communications strategy—are helping to amplify the voice of the UK tyre industry.
The trading environment remains challenging. Replacement market tyre volumes show a mixed picture for the first half of 2025, impacted by an increased share of imports, and changes in stockholding. In the Consumer tyre segment, which includes car, SUV and light truck tyres, volumes fell sharply in the second quarter; following a 13% decline in the first quarter this resulted in a 16% reduction in units sold in the first half of 2025. Sales of new replacement Truck & Bus tyres increased by 3% in the quarter, a slight increase on the pace of growth in the first quarter and resulting in a 2% gain for the year to date. In the Motorcycle & Scooter tyre segment, volumes were flat for the first half of 2025, with an increase in the sales in the first quarter counterbalanced by a decline in the second quarter.
Against this backdrop, there is renewed interest in the circular economy—and in retreading in particular. Long recognised as a cornerstone of sustainable tyre management, retreading is gaining momentum thanks to its environmental benefits. Over 80% of retreaded truck and bus tyres used in the UK are manufactured domestically, with 85% of the original tyre reused in the process. Innovations in hot and pre-cure processes, as well as improvements in energy efficiency, are helping to rebuild market share while cutting environmental impact. At the recent Sustainability Forum, industry leaders highlighted retreading as a key strategy for both decarbonisation and resource efficiency.
Looking ahead, BTMA will continue to champion the pillars that matter most: safety, sustainability, competitiveness, and collaboration. This newsletter is part of that commitment—designed to inform, inspire and connect.
Thank you for being part of it.
Darren Lindsey
Chief Executive, BTMA
