THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026 gives the industry’s transformation a profile
High international demand and strong market response underline the relevance of the trade fair
With nearly 400 exhibitors from 33 countries and around 14,600 participants from 110 countries, THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026 has once again confirmed its position as the leading international trade fair for the tire and wheel industry. The global relevance of the trade fair was underlined by the high proportion of visitors from abroad: two thirds of them came from outside Germany.
THE TIRE COLOGNE is increasingly developing from a purely product-focused trade fair into a platform where the key issues facing the industry are discussed, innovations are made visible, and new perspectives for growth and competitiveness are highlighted.
WALK OF SERVICES strikes a chord with the market
The WALK OF SERVICES made visible just how strongly the industry is changing: building on the strong core business of tires and workshop equipment, digital offerings and additional services are opening up new potential for growth and success. The strong response was reflected in particular in a 5 percent increase in German visitor numbers as well as higher participation from the tire specialist trade and the workshop environment.
With 147 participating companies, including 44 new exhibitors, the WALK OF SERVICES developed into one of the most dynamic formats of THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026. The focus was on employees, system and process solutions, tire service and workshop technology, automotive services, as well as disposal and sustainability.
Cooperation with the Global OTR Conference strengthens the specialty tire segment
A special highlight of the event program was the cooperation with the Global OTR Conference. The event brought together leading experts from the off-the-road segment and offered valuable insights into market trends, sustainability strategies, safety, digitalization, and future prospects for specialty tires.
The topics mentioned were not discussed as isolated trends, but as closely interconnected developments that will play a decisive role in determining companies’ competitiveness in the future.
Circular economy becomes a success factor
A particular focus of the trade fair was the topic of the circular economy. Questions relating to resource efficiency, retreading, recycling, and circular value chains were at the center of numerous presentations, discussions, and exhibitor presentations.
The INNOVATION LAB also offered practical insights. Live demonstrations made innovative technologies immediately tangible and showed how digital solutions can contribute in the future to increasing efficiency and unlocking new business potential. A special focus was on RFID-based ecosystems, which open up new opportunities for transparency, process control, and data-based services along the tire life cycle.
The participation of Oliver Krischer, Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, underlined the growing economic and political significance of these developments. During the trade fair, he emphasized the central role of circular value chains for a future-ready industry and recognized THE TIRE COLOGNE as a platform for exchange on concrete solution approaches and new economic perspectives.
Outlook for 2028
In two years, THE TIRE COLOGNE will take place from 30.05.-01.06.2028.