Focused specialization, uncompromising testing

The precise and goal-oriented work of Nokian Tyres’ product development provides customers and consumers with first-rate tyres, advanced and innov ative solutions and services, continuous renewal. Nokian Tyres has observed the same basic principle in its product development for more than 70 years: the company develops tyres for consumers who drive in northern conditions and need their tyres to be safe, durable and comfortable in all situations.

The main task of R&D is to support the company’s status as the manufacturer of the world’s best winter and special heavy tyres. New products enable the company to strengthen its position and maintain the desired price and margin levels in tough competition.

Development is guided by the principle of sustainable safety: the tyre should retain its safety features almost intact throughout its life cycle.

State-of-the art technology and sustainability

On top of first-class safety properties, tyres should be silent and cost-effective. Lowering the rolling resistance requires constant development work. Tyres with low rolling resistance can save up to 0.5 litres of fuel per one hundred kilometres and, consequently, generate less harmful emissions. Quiet tyres do not strain the environment with loud noise, or the driver with inside noise. Nokian Tyres has blazed a trail of environmental friendliness in the tyre industry by being the first tyre manufacturer in the world to introduce tyres that are made using only purified, low-aromatic oils.

Intensive testing around the year

Intensive testing in real winter conditions, as well as understanding the winter and all the elements and features of a tyre, comes naturally for Nokian Tyres. Nokian Tyres’ 700-hectare test centre in Ivalo, Lapland, focuses on demanding winter testing from October to May. Thanks to the state-of-the-art

equipment, versatile tests and professional personnel, tests in Ivalo cover all extreme situations that can be encountered when driving in the winter. Comprehensive testing in Lapland is what makes Nokian Tyres the world-leading expert in northern conditions.

The test track in Nokia is used from the spring until late autumn. The continuously developed test centre covers an area of 30 hectares and offers unique facilities for testing slush planing already since 1996. In addition, tyres are also tested abroad in order to gain comprehensive results. The limits of grip are

stretched and crossed in order to achieve the key goal of development: safety.

The company also utilizes indoor testing with machines measuring structural toughness and high-speed durability of tyres. Respective tests are used for monitoring the flawlessness of tyres and for making sure products are high quality and technically reliable. Nokian Tyres frequently renews its product range: new products account for at least 25% of the annual net sales. The company is investing actively in its R&D and launches many new products every year. Approximately one-half of these investment is allocated to product testing. The development of a brand-new car tyre takes 2 to 4 years.

Read more from Nokian Tyres' Annual Report 2009.