Summer tires Torero, Ikon Tires from the Russian Federation will replace Matador and Nokian

After the start of the SVO, many Western car tire manufacturers began to leave the market and territory of Russia one after another. The Americans were the first to do this, as one would expect. In the spring of 2022, Goodyear stopped cooperating with the Russian Federation and stopped supplying its products, including from its own subsidiary Dunlop. Russia was supplied mainly with rubber produced in Slovakia and Poland.


What’s interesting: the company announced its intention to close its factories in Germany, and transfer the Dunlop brand to the mid-price category (previously it was considered premium). Japan followed the example of the United States: Bridgestone suspended tire production at its plant in Ulyanovsk. The company was bought by the Russian S8 Capital Group, which did the same for Continental. Bridgestone is also “squeezing in and closing its branch in Thailand, the city of Rangsit.


As for Europeans, Michelin has stopped tire production at a plant in the Moscow region (Davydovo). Ultimately, the assets were transferred to the Russian company Power International Tires. Continental curtailed its activities last spring: production in Kaluga was sold to S8 Capital. The new brand is called Gislaved. Continental's subsidiary Matador will now produce tires under the Torero brand.


The Finns, represented by Nokian Tires, also joined the sanctions and closed their plant in Vsevolzhsk (Leningrad region). But “a holy place is never empty”: the enterprise was bought by Tatneft and it has already started production.

The situation at “import-substituted” factories today

Drawing conclusions from the above, we can say that at the moment, “old” and new Russian tire manufacturers have been given carte blanche. Towards the end of last year, tire production in the Russian Federation became positive: the companies entered the black. What exactly are Russians producing at former Western sites?

Icon Tires

The Finns left us the largest enterprise for the production of automobile rubber not only in the Russian Federation, but also in Europe. By the way: the plant did not stop for a long time, the chain of production processes was not interrupted, which ensured the quality of the products. The new brand to replace Hakka, Hakkapeliitta, is called Ikon Autograph, which means “Autograph”.

For the first time, winter tires were demonstrated to the general public in the most suitable place for such a thing - on the cleanest lake in the world. On Baikal from 21-02 to 2.03.2024 the “Days of Speed” festival was held. The races were carried out on a 15-kilometer track, specially prepared for cars reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h. The tires tested were Ikon Nordman 8. In terms of tread pattern and other technical aspects, the tires actually replicate the model line that was produced in the Russian Federation under the Nokian brand.


But the studs were developed by the Russian Ikon Tires. They have a “butterfly” shape with many sharp edges that guarantee reliable grip on ice, which was proven on Lake Baikal. What other tires does the Russian plant produce now?

Ikon Autograph (summer tires)

This is a whole line of tires with a tread design still borrowed from Nokian. For example, the Aqua 3 model is reminiscent of the Hakka Blue 3. The tires guarantee effective braking on wet surfaces and prevent aquaplaning. The manufacturer claims that the updated version of the model provides comfort both on smooth asphalt and rough terrain. The average price of a summer tire Ikon Autograph Eco 3 205/55 R16 94H XL is 6 thousand 260 rubles.


There are fourteen standard sizes in total, where the smallest is 185/55R15, and the maximum is 225/50R17. The Aqua 3 SUV model is designed for crossovers and is designed for travel on different types of road surfaces. There is a special tread shape that repels stones, which prevents damage to the frame. The average price of Ikon Tires Autograph Aqua 3 SUV 215/60 R17 H100 is 12 thousand 439 rubles.

Icon Autograph Ultra 2

These are UHP tires, specially designed to provide the car with better handling and stability when driving at speed. The tires, which are similar to the Nokian Hakka Black 2, are suitable for any climate and guarantee reliable grip on wet and dry roads. A total of 19 standard sizes are offered, starting from 215/50R17 and ending with 245/35ZR21. The average price of the Ikon Autograph Ultra 2 225/45 R17 94Y XL model is RUB 8901.


Ultra 2 SUVs are designed for SUVs, minivans, and commercial vehicles. They are a copy of the Nokian Hakka Black 2 SUV and feature low rolling resistance, which saves fuel. The model line contains tires of twenty sizes: 175/70R14C – 255/55K18. For an SUV, Ikon Tires Autograph Ultra 2 SUV 265/50R19 110Y will cost RUB 18.

Gislaved Torero

They are produced at a plant in Kaluga, formerly owned by Continental. When the S8 Capital holding acquired the plant (May 2023), rebranding was a prerequisite for the sale. That’s why the company was named Gislaved, and the name Torero replaced Matador: the “reference” to bullfighting remained! The new manufacturer offers a line of summer tires, which so far includes only three models.

Torero MP-47 Hectorra 3

The summer tire is a copy of the Matador with the same name and index. One of the features of the model is to ensure good handling when driving on wet asphalt: the car instantly reacts to the slightest movement of the steering wheel. There are three ribs in the middle of the tire with side grooves. The latter improve traction and reduce the distance during emergency braking. Other tread elements are positioned to minimize noise from turbulent air currents, resulting in increased ride comfort.


A long tire life is ensured by the use of special components in the compound, as well as by the uniform placement of tread blocks. Hydroplaning is counteracted through drainage grooves that allow water to pass through well.

Torero MP 82 Conquerra 2

The model is designed for installation on SUVs that often drive on simple dirt roads, as well as commercial vehicles. The tread blocks are placed close to each other, which is typical for rubber used mainly on dry surfaces.


Other distinctive features include low rolling resistance and long service life. The tire belongs to the VIP class, so there is no need to talk about affordable prices yet.

MP 72 Izzarda A/T 2

A tire from the All Terrain category, suitable for SUVs and commercial vehicles driving mainly on dirt roads and other similar roads. By the way: a suitable option for the Niva (picture on the title screen of the article). Alternating tread blocks and cone-shaped grooves ensure self-cleaning of the tire after driving in mud and a low noise level. The tire is protected from lateral damage by special ridges in the shoulder area.


Compared to other tires, one can even talk about an affordable price: for example, the MP 72 Izzarda A/T 2 model size 205/70R15 will cost about 5 thousand 657 rubles. If we talk about the maximum, then for a 275/40R20 tire the price will average 14 thousand 506 rubles.

Conclusions

Russian manufacturers have every chance to occupy the niche of mid-price and premium tires on the Russian market. But the truth is, with a caveat: if the Chinese, whose brands are gaining popularity in the country, do not take the lead. We should not forget about the price - many Russian car owners primarily focus on it.