The “Innovative TBR Tire Development Forum”, which was organized by TBM Evolution Group, took place on 9-10 June, 2016 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. This special conference hosted a wide group of senior level professionals for Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) tires with a perfectly balanced mix of tire manufacturers, leading OEMs, fleet owners, suppliers and regulators.

The main topic of discussion was the reduction of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for the fleets, with particular emphasis being placed on the reduction of fuel consumption by, for example, the use of tires with reduced rolling resistance.

The high level presentations, which covered important issues concerning innovative concepts to achieve the TCO reduction goal, were given by representatives of the University of Twente (Netherlands), Belgian Road Research Center, PPG, Kordsa, Lehigh, Pirelli, Bandag, Volvo and fleet managers DSV and Ewals

Behn Meyer Europe GmbH was represented by Dr. Joachim Bertrand, who gave a presentation about “Natural Rubber – Silica Masterbatches – the easy processing way to high quality silica compounds”. This newly developed material is currently being introduced to the Tire and Non-Tire markets and is being very well received by major customers in both areas. The feedback from tire manufacturers attending the conference has been extremely positive and new cooperation activities have been started.