In February 2015, Tyres & Accessories reported on the competitiveness of the UK car tyre market, fuelled by the highest level of imports in Europe, particularly from East Asian players. Where this once would signify a purely budget approach, the encroachment of players on the premium and mid-range ground, led by Hankook, continues to reshape the traditional segmentation of the market; the notable establishment fightback of Bridgestone's Firestone strategy was also an interesting development. 

The pressure on the lowest end of the market remained palpable, leading some to suggest that greater protectionist policies within Europe may be around the corner, yet T&A suggested an upside to the widespread availability of very low-cost tyres could become a carrot with which to lure consumers away from poorly regulated part-worn dealers and into new tyre depots. From a product point of view, Michelin produced what could be termed a quietly revolutionary product in its CrossClimate given its subsequent performance. Our annual survey of the UK passenger car tyre market, including the latest product news, will be published in the February issue .