Uncompromising testing and Nordic devotion

Tires are surprisingly technical products, consisting of many components and subject to exacting requirements. They are active safety factors in vehicles, providing the only contact with the ground. Finns are, by nature, familiar with snow, ice, slush and fickle winter weather. This, however, does not ensure a magic formula for winter tire solutions. You also need technical skills, experience, a systematic approach, determination, a good deal of work and a dash of Nordic frenzy.

Our R&D work allows us to stay the world leader in winter and forestry tires. Our approach has endured for more than 80 years – we develop superior tires for consumers driving in challenging conditions, who demand safety and durability in all situations.



Development is based on the principle of sustainable safety, which states that the safety properties of a tire should remain intact, even as the tire wears.

Safety is improved using technical innovations

Apart from safety and economy, the company also emphasises the advanced features and originality of its products. The innovation processes aim to profitably process and commercialise new ideas.

The Nokian Eco Stud 8 concept, pump sipes, the Nokian Cryo Crystal Concept, the Silent Groove Design, and the Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) are only a few examples of the innovations improving safety and comfort. The latest results of our intensive product development, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 and Nokian WR G3 SUV, are all crystallisations of the best knowledge in the tire industry. This is also shown in the many new innovations.

Sharply focused specialisation points the way for R&D

Tire development requires carefully focused planning. Different market areas need their own customised products. The R&D team keeps close track of the movements and changes in the markets’ and consumers’ needs.

Improved car performance has increased the demand for low-profile, high-speed passenger car tires, and Nokian Tyres has launched a variety of new products in this segment. SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) tires are a growing product group. In the heavy tires product area, special emphasis is placed on radial special tires. The development of retreading materials draws on the vast range of tire technology know-how and expertise accumulated at Nokian Tyres.

The product range that is tailored for various markets is quickly renewing itself: the proportion of new products is at least one quarter of the annual turnover. Over half of our product development resources are spent on testing products. The company tests under authentic conditions in Ivalo, Finnish Lapland. North of the Arctic Circle, the company develops test winner tires that consumers around the world can rely on. A good winter tire is logical and predictable under all conditions. The development of an entirely new passenger car tire takes 2–4 years.