One of the key focuses of the global tyre industry when it come to trucks and heavy commercial vehicles at the moment is low rolling resistance tyres, a factor which is becoming more and more important as the industry fights to both reduce fuel consumption and emissions but also to introduce electric zero emission trucks
According to Research Intelo, the global market size for low rolling-resistance truck-tyres was valued at $(US)6.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $US 12.8 billion by 2033, expanding at a robust 8.4 per cent during the forecast period.
As we said the primary factor driving the growth of the low rolling-resistance truck-tire market globally is the increasing emphasis on fuel efficiency and carbon emission reduction across the commercial transportation sector.
As logistics companies and fleet operators face mounting pressure to reduce operational costs and comply with stringent environmental standards, the adoption of advanced tyre technologies that minimising energy loss and enhanced fuel economy has become a strategic imperative.
The trend is further amplified by the growing awareness of total cost of ownership among fleet managers, who recognize the long-term savings and sustainability benefits associated with low rolling-resistance truck tires.
The global transportation landscape is rapidly evolving as sustainability, fuel efficiency and operational cost reduction become core priorities for fleet operators, manufacturers, and regulators alike. At the heart of this transformation lies the low rolling-resistance (LRR) truck-tyre market, which is a niche segment but pivotal to the broader commercial tyre industry that promises to revolutionise how heavy-duty vehicles consume energy and impact the environment.
Fuel remains one of the largest expenses for truck fleets and by significantly lowering rolling resistance, these tyres help reduce fuel consumption often by several percentage points per vehicle, which cumulates to enormous savings across large fleets.
LRR tyres are increasingly seen as a practical compliance technology with regulators worldwide tightening standards on greenhouse gas emissions, and they contribute to lower carbon footprints and help fleets meet stringent environmental benchmarks without compromising performance.
Advances in tyre materials, such as silica-rich compounds and optimised tread designs, significantly reduce rolling resistance while preserving safety and durability, while computational design tools and smart manufacturing processes are also enabling continuous performance improvements.
One of the biggest barriers to adoption remains the higher upfront cost of low rolling-resistance truck tyres compared to traditional alternatives, while long-term savings are clear, some operators especially in cost-sensitive regions hesitate to make the initial investment.
Despite this concerns linger that reducing rolling resistance may negatively impact traction, wear life, or handling in certain conditions, and while technology is steadily mitigating these issues, these perceptions have slowed adoption, particularly where safety remains a paramount concern.
The cost and availability of core inputs like natural rubber and synthetic polymers fluctuate widely, creating pricing pressure and supply challenges that can affect production costs and market prices.
Connected tyre systems which see the tyres equipped with sensors for pressure, temperature and wear metrics are on the rise, and these smart solutions allow real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and better lifecycle management all of which further enhance efficiency and performance.
Research into sustainable materials including bio-based compounds and recycled elements aims to further reduce the environmental footprint of truck tires, aligning with broader industry de-carbonisation strategies.
As electric and hybrid commercial vehicles become more prevalent, specially optimised LRR tyres are being developed to match the unique torque and efficiency needs of these platforms, improving range and performance.
The future of the low rolling-resistance truck-tyre market appears highly promising, driven by rising fuel efficiency demands, stricter emission regulations, and the global push toward sustainable logistics, while continued advancements in tyre materials, smart tyre technologies, and compatibility with electric and alternative-fuel trucks are expected to accelerate adoption.
As production scales and costs gradually decline, low rolling-resistance tyres are likely to transition from a premium option to a standard choice for commercial fleets worldwide, supporting long-term efficiency and environmental goals.
Prominent tyre manufacturing brands that are currently already operating in the market include Korea’s Kumho Tire, Japan’s Bridgestone, Yokohama, Toyo and Sumitomo, French giant Michelin, Germany’s Continental, Italy’s Pirelli and Goodyear and Copper in the USA.
