Avon Tyres has been a household name to generations of drivers, racers, and motorcyclists. You might have heard about factory shutdowns or rumors that Avon Tyres is disappearing for good. Let’s set the record straight: Avon is not completely going out of business, but its traditional British manufacturing operation has closed. What’s left—and what’s changed—matters if you buy or rely on Avon tyres for your vehicles or motorsport team.
This article saves you hours of research by organizing the facts about factory closures, product availability, and what each customer type needs to expect. It’s clear: While the factory in the UK is finished, Avon’s road and motorcycle tyres live on under new management, and its racing products have found a new home.
Closure of Avon’s UK Factory
Start with the biggest event: The Melksham, UK factory shuttered its doors on December 20th, 2023. The factory had been making tyres in Wiltshire for 112 years, so its closure was a major change for the brand, its workers, and its fans.
Why did the closure happen? The current owner, Cooper Tire (itself a subsidiary of Goodyear), decided the plant wasn’t competitive compared to modern factories in Europe. This meant about 350 jobs disappeared as tyre manufacturing moved elsewhere. When a plant that’s been running for over a century closes, it affects the entire community—and signals to buyers that things are shifting.
Here’s the key takeaway: While the physical UK factory went out of business, the brand name “Avon” did not.
Motorsport Tyres Transition
If you’re in motorsport, you might have relied on Avon racing tyres—from classic car series to modern club racing. Melksham was where these specialist tyres came to life, often produced in low volumes or with unique compounds. By the end of 2023, however, Avon’s motorsport operation under Goodyear stopped entirely.
At first, it looked like historic Avon racing tyres might all vanish, leaving event organizers and classic teams scrambling. Motorsport journals described it as “killing off the Avon motorsport brand.” Equipment was mothballed, and no machinery moved—production truly ended.
But here’s where adaptation shows up: A new company called Nova Motorsport stepped in. Using the old Avon moulds, patterns, and designs, Nova acquired the rights and assets to continue much of the racing tyre range. Nova now works with a modern facility in Portugal to produce these tyres, using Avon’s original specs under license. In short, Avon racing tyres are reborn—not under Goodyear, but as Nova Motorsport-produced products.
Do check the badge on your next set: You’ll start seeing tyres labeled as “Nova Motorsport Avon” or similar. Sizing and rubber feel should match originals, but details like branding, supply chain timing, and price may be different now.
Road and Classic Car Tyre Update
A large percentage of Avon’s sale volume has always come from road-legal tyres—think everyday cars, SUVs, and classic vehicles. The main question: Can you still get Avon-branded tyres for road or classic use after the UK factory ended production?
The answer is yes. Goodyear kept the entire road tyre range. The only real change is where they’re now made: production simply shifted from Melksham to Goodyear’s advanced European plants. According to major distributors, “the only thing that’s changed is the plant.” Stock is still available in similar sizes with the familiar tread patterns.
If you’re running a classic sports car or vintage saloon, suppliers like Vintage Tyres confirm “business as usual.” This includes classic-friendly Avons—like the CR6 ZZ or Turbosteel—that remain critical to car club drivers and restoration professionals. While your next set might say “made in Europe,” the tyre products themselves stay on offer.
Tip: If you rely on niche fast-road or historic fitments, keep an eye on supplier updates. Most lines continue, but limited-run patterns could see temporary supply gaps as manufacturing ramps up in the new locations.
Status of Avon Motorcycle Tyres
Motorcycle tyre customers also watched the Melksham situation carefully. The UK was one of the last places where motorcycle tyres were still hand-built, so many feared the end of the Avon bike lineup altogether.
The reality—motorcycle tyre manufacturing moved to Goodyear/Dunlop plants, mainly in France. Avon bike tyres didn’t disappear; they’re still branded as Avon, but now made with tighter production processes on modern European machines.
Goodyear relaunched Avon motorcycle tyres as part of their portfolio for 2024. The Avon name sits just under Dunlop in price and positioning, targeting riders who want proven performance at a value. Early reviews of EU-made Avons suggest the feel and wear are similar to previous UK versions, though the construction process has become more automated for consistency.
If you’re a dealer or workshop, start planning for small changes in delivery times or labeling. The core range—Cobra Chromes, Roadriders, and most sport-touring types—continues on schedule, though new country-of-origin markings will appear.
Conclusion on Avon’s Business Status
Let’s be absolutely clear: Avon Tyres is not fully “going out of business.” What really happened is a fundamental restructuring.
Here’s a simple matrix for reference:
| Aspect | Status |
| Avon UK factory (Melksham) | Closed at end of 2023 |
| Avon UK motorsport operations | Ceased under Goodyear; phased out of motorsport in 2024 |
| Avon racing tyres (designs) | Revived under Nova Motorsport, using Avon assets and original designs |
| Avon road & classic car tyres | Continue under Goodyear, produced in Europe |
| Avon motorcycle tyres | Continue under Goodyear/Dunlop, now made in EU facilities |
| Avon brand overall | Heavily restructured, but brand survives both for road/motorcycle (Goodyear) and racing (Nova) |
In summary: The **UK manufacturing business is finished**, but Avon as a product and a brand still exists—just rerouted through different companies and countries. Think of Avon now as a label: Goodyear owns road and bike products, Nova Motorsport has revived the racing side.
Buyer Implications: What You Should Do Next
Don’t wait for “business as usual” to return. Instead, adjust your approach depending on your needs:
Road car and motorcycle buyers: You can buy Avon-branded tyres as normal. Check labels—your tyres now likely come from France, Portugal, or Eastern Europe. Factor in possible small changes in pricing or shipment schedules as supply chains are reworked, but availability is stable.
Classic and fast-road customers: If you restore vehicles or race in classic categories, Avon’s unique patterns (like Turbosteel/CR6 ZZ) are mostly still available. Some lines may experience transition bumps if new facilities adjust capacity, but distributors say there’s no need to panic-order. Ask suppliers if your size is fresh EU stock or older UK inventory.
Historic/racing customers: For those needing specialist vintage or motorsport Avon tyres, you’ll see a shift as Nova Motorsport fills orders. It’s smart to clarify with your dealer whether your tyre is “Melksham stock,” a Nova Motorsport product, or “new old stock.” For niche fitments, plan further ahead or request order estimates. Pricing and delivery may settle over the next season as Nova’s operation stabilizes.
Tip: For detailed updates on tyre availability, production changes, and industry movements, check business publications or follow updates like those on Today Business Feed.
Final Thoughts: Avon’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
The end of Melksham manufacturing closes a memorable chapter for British engineering. But brands—especially in the tyre business—often outlast their original factories. Think ahead, stay connected to your trusted distributors, and don’t be surprised if Avon’s quality continues, just minus the “Made in UK” stamp.
Adaptability is key in motorsports, restoration work, and day-to-day vehicle operation. Avon’s shift means updating expectations, but the core product lines remain strong. Start by clarifying supply chains and adjusting planning cycles, especially for rare or specialist sizes. There’s no shortcut, but steady progress is possible if you check sources and set reminders for company news.
In the tyre industry, strong brands rarely vanish overnight. Avon endures, just not in the familiar way. If you’re passionate about British motoring or depend on Avon’s value, use these changes as a motivator to plan smarter purchases and stay informed. The future will likely see further tweaks to product ranges, but for most drivers, racers, and shops, Avon still means dependable rubber—now with a different story behind each tread.
Also Read This:
