In this keynote presentation delivered at the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (BTMA) Remanufacturing and Safety Forum, held at Coombe Abbey in Coventry, Ian Andrew, Chief Executive of the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA), examines the commercial, operational, and psychological barriers preventing smaller regional fleets from adopting remanufactured tyres. Andrew breaks down the resource constraints of SME hauliers, reframes the industry narrative from “retread” to “remanufacturing”, and outlines how suppliers can support operators through structured trials and whole-life tyre management.
Ian Andrew’s Keynote from the Remanufacturing and Safety Forum 2026 is here!
Watch the complete keynote presentation above to review Ian Andrew’s full insights on bridging the retread adoption gap across the UK’s regional commercial vehicle sector.
Chapters:
0:00 Presentation Opening: BTMA Remanufacturing and Safety Forum
0:18 Ian Andrew: An Outsider’s Perspective on the World of Tyres
1:21 Redefining Language: Moving Beyond ‘Retread’ to ‘Remanufacturing’
2:30 The Adoption Gap: Why Fleets Aren’t Buying Despite Proven Savings
3:31 Rational Reluctance: Working IN the Business vs ON the Business
4:52 The Perception Barrier: Overcoming Outdated Quality Doubts
5:37 Advanced Manufacturing: Inspection, Precision, and Quality Control
6:17 Invoice Price vs Cost Per Mile: Challenging the Upfront Cost Mindset
7:25 Tyre Management Systems: Why Smaller Fleets Lack Whole-Life Data
8:50 Operational Complexity: Urban Deliveries, Rural Roads, and Depot Manoeuvring
9:47 Supplier Solutions: Making Retread Adoption Simple, Visible, and Supported
10:35 Targeted Adoption: Identifying Suitable Vehicles, Routes, and Axle Positions
11:57 The Pilot Programme Framework: Phased Trials and Contingency Planning
12:28 Driver Engagement: Why Involving Drivers Is Vital to Trial Success
13:26 Anti-Uncertainty, Not Anti-Retread: Understanding Fleet Hesitation
14:34 The Three Pillars: Delivering Proof, Simplicity, and Trust
15:09 A Holistic Solution: Moving Beyond ‘Retreads Are Cheaper’
15:42 Conclusion and Summary
