Research and development

The key principle in our research and development has remained the same for 90 years: to develop tires for consumers driving in demanding conditions, who demand safety and performance from their tires in all circumstances.

The main task of our R&D is to make sure we continue to be the manufacturer of the world’s best tires.  Our products are known for their high quality, which translates to predictability, performance and safety in all conditions.

Product development, testing and production result in test-winning tires that are reliable under any conditions. We develop products based on the principle of sustainable safety which means that the safety properties of a tire should remain intact, even as the tire wears.

Tires are active safety factors in vehicles, providing the only contact with the ground. They are also highly technical products, consisting of many components and subject to exact requirements – even a millimeter’s difference can have a big impact.

Our innovation processes aim to profitably process and commercialize new ideas to lead the world to drive smarter. The R&D team keeps close track of the movements and changes in the markets’ and consumers’ needs. Our growth is built on sustainability. Factors such as climate change and growing consumer and customer expectations on sustainability drive the demand for sustainably produced innovative tires. Beyond safety and sustainability, we are always looking for originality and advanced features.

Improved car performance has increased the demand for low-profile, high-speed passenger car tires, and we have launched a variety of products in this growing segment. SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) tires are a growing product group. In the heavy tires’ product area, special emphasis is placed on radial special tires. The development of retreading materials draws on the vast range of tire technology know-how and expertise accumulated at Nokian Tyres.

The product range that is tailored for various markets is quickly renewing itself: the proportion of new products is at least one quarter of the annual turnover. The development of an entirely new passenger car tire takes 2–4 years.

We are one of the sustainability leaders in the tire industry. To maintain that position, we invest in continuous and wide-ranging development. We are committed to minimizing the company's negative impacts and maximizing its positive impacts on the economy, environment, and people.

89 percent of our tire’s carbon footprint is generated during its use. This means that our product development efforts for improving the tires’ safety and reducing their environmental impacts are measured during their use by consumers.

By innovating climate-friendly technologies and low-carbon materials we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution caused by tire and road wear particles. Improved tire properties and innovative designs helps us to reduce for example the rolling resistance, fuel usage and the amount of tire and road wear particles.

Over half of our product development resources are spent on testing products. Our tire testing network consists of a 700-hectare site in Ivalo, Finnish Lapland, a site near our Finnish headquarters in Nokia, Finland and a 300-hectare site in Spain. As the tire industry pioneer, we are set to keep ahead and our test tracks play an important role in our continuous development. 

We innovate tirelessly to make the world a safer place for those driving, for those who don’t – and for life on earth.

Our products are known for their high quality, which translates to predictability, performance and safety in all conditions. Premium quality tires are designed to deliver driving comfort, eco-friendliness and fuel savings.