The Tire Cologne – dates for next event announced after successful 2024 show

The organiser of The Tire Cologne 2024 has expressed satisfaction with this year’s show. Koelnmesse reports that some 14,400 visitors from 109 countries attended the event in Cologne, Germany between 4 and 6 June, meeting with 430 exhibitors from 35 countries.

For Koelnmesse, these figures highlight The Tire Cologne’s role as not only an “outstanding B2B platform” that connects tyre makers, wholesalers and the trade, but also as “a place for exchanging ideas, advancing innovations and shaping the future of the industry.” Oliver Frese, chief operating officer of Koelnmesse, comments that “this event was full of positive energy from day one and clearly showed how important this stage is for establishing and expanding international business relationships in the industry.”

Sustainability focus

This year’s The Tire Cologne focused heavily on sustainability and responsible resource use, reflecting the industry’s growing commitment to environmental concerns. The importance of themes such as resource conservation and recycling were evident across the trade fair stands, with many exhibitors showcasing innovations centred on these issues. An aim of the event was to highlight the inextricable link between the tyre industry and the circular economy; in line with this, The Tire Cologne 2024 featured a dedicated theme area, the Circular Economy Area. Situated centrally in Hall 7, this space featured 50 companies specialising in retreading and recycling, benefitting from enhanced visibility. The Circular Economy Forum, with its subject-specific panel discussions, complemented the exhibitors’ innovative approaches. Frese commented, “In that we don’t talk just about technical innovations, but also about socially relevant issues, we inspire companies to think ahead and provide concrete results. The Tire Cologne is active at the pulse of the times and advances not only economic efficiency, but also the sustainability of the industry,” comments Frese.

A notable highlight was the signing of a used tyre resolution by the Allianz Zukunft Reifen initiative at The Tire Cologne 2024, aimed at promoting sustainable handling of both old and new tyres. Over 70 European organisations, associations, and institutions already participate in end-of-life tyre recycling as partners.

Key topics of global significance to the tyre and wheel industry were discussed on the Tire Stage (Photo: Stephen Goodchild / Tyre Industry Publications Ltd)

Specialist areas

The Tire Cologne continued to provide a trade fair experience with added value, featuring three thematic areas: Tyres/Rims/Trade, Retreading/Recycling, and Workshop/Automotive. And in the Workshop LIVE area, the trade fair, in partnership with Hunter and Würth, showcased the digital workshop requirements of the future. Demonstrations included diagnostic and repair technologies such as rapid measurement, driving assistance calibration, and glass service, along with new product presentations for the tyre trade. As the demand for information and investment continues to grow, The Tire Cologne aims to gradually expand its offerings in the workshop technology segment.

On the Tire Stage, key topics of global significance to the tyre and wheel industry were discussed, including sustainability, staff shortages, international market developments, and digital transformation. The event programme featured high-quality talks and innovative thematic areas, offering future-relevant solutions and inspiring content through live demonstrations.

Strong international participation

The event saw a mix of established international exhibitors and emerging brands across budget to premium segments. As mentioned, a total of 430 exhibitors from 35 countries showcased the full spectrum of tyres and rims, attracting around 14,400 participants from 109 countries. Approximately 65 per cent of visitors came from abroad, predominantly from Italy, the Netherlands, the UK, and France, with increasing numbers from Eastern Europe, such as Poland and Romania. International trade visitors from China, the USA, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Israel were also strongly represented.

TTC 2024 welcomed a broad range of visitors & exhibitors (Photo: Stephen Goodchild / Tyre Industry Publications Ltd)

TTC 2026

After the show is before the show, and Koelnmesse is already planning the next event, which will take place in two years’ time. The Tire Cologne 2026 will return between 9 and 11 June 2026.