Active product develpment

with sustainable safety in mind

 
Nokian Tyres has observed the same basic principle in its product development for 70 years: the company develops tyres for consumers who drive in northern conditions and need their tyres to be safe and durable in all situations. Development is guided by the principle of sustainable safety: the tyre should retain its safety features almost intact throughout its service life.

A product range featuring quick development and innovative products are essential to the success of Nokian Tyres. The main task of R&D is to support the company’s status as the manufacturer of the world’s best winter and forestry tyres.

Tyre safety is improved using technical innovations. Furthermore, the tyres are advanced and unique. The innovation processes aim to generate added value and to commercialise new ideas.

  

Sharply focused specialisation and customer needs point the way for R&D

Different market areas need customised products. The R&D team keeps close track of the changes in the markets’ and consumers’ needs. Creating successful products calls for familiarisation with new developments in vehicle technology. Confidential co-operation with machine and equipment manufacturers is a must in the development of heavy tyres.

New products account for at least 25% of the annual net sales. R&D investments total approximately 2.5% of net sales annually. In the passenger car tyre unit, R&D accounts for some 4% of net sales. Approximately one-half of this investment is allocated to product testing. The development of a brand-new passenger car tyre takes 2 to 4 years. Read more about Nokian Tyres’  test centres in Nokia and Ivalo here.

 

Read more from Nokian Tyres' Annual Report 2007