Ikon Tyres sees export potential in Asia, Latin America

Prior to 2022, a factory in Vsevolozhsk, Russia produced around 80 per cent of Nokian Tyres’ passenger vehicle tyres, and many of these were sold throughout Europe. Times have changed and so has ownership of the Vsevolozhsk plant. New parent company Tatneft operates the business as Ikon Tyres and is seeking new markets to replace the sanctions-barred EU. According to automotive website Kolesa.ru, Ikon Tyres may have its sights on customers further afield.

During a recent visit to the Ikon Tyres plant, company representatives told Kolesa.ru that they were investigating the possibility of exporting tyres to markets in Latin America and Asia. Ikon Tyres did not name specific countries of interest within these regions.

A better fit for Chinese cars

Another opportunity that the company has identified is tyre dimensions favoured by Chinese vehicle manufacturers. “It is no secret that Chinese cars, which are now becoming more and more numerous on our market every day, have tyres of atypical sizes,” explains Ikon Tyres. “Their choice is very limited, and demand will soon grow.” The tyre maker foresees that within a few years, after the original equipment tyres on vehicles now being sold wear down, the ability to offer new, compatible standard tyre sizes will become an “important issue.”