Nokian tires are made by Nokian Tyres plc, an independent Finnish tire manufacturer that invented the world’s first winter tire.
Nokian is known worldwide for its winter tire expertise, backed by the only permanent winter tire testing facility in the world.
Nokian Tyres plc, headquartered in Nokia, Finland, is a publicly traded company whose largest shareholder is Solidium Oy, an investment company wholly owned by the Finnish state.
Knowing that Nokian is an independent Finnish company, separate from the Nokia phone brand, helps explain its singular focus on cold weather tire technology.
This guide covers who owns Nokian, where the tires are manufactured, the company’s history, and how Nokian compares to Michelin in the winter tire category.
So let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Nokian tires are made by Nokian Tyres plc, an independent Finnish company that invented the first winter tire in 1934. Nokian operates factories in Finland, the United States, and Romania, having exited its Russian manufacturing operations in 2023.
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Who Makes Nokian Tires and Who Owns the Company?
Nokian Tyres plc designs and manufactures every tire sold under the Nokian name, with current lineups shown on the Nokian Tyres corporate website.
The company is publicly traded on the Helsinki stock exchange, with Solidium Oy, a Finnish state owned holding company, as its largest shareholder.
Nokian separated from the original Nokia Corporation in 1988, giving it complete independence from the electronics brand of the same origin.
The company also operates the Vianor retail tire service chain across several countries.
Where Are Nokian Tires Manufactured?
Nokian operates its primary factory in Nokia, Finland, which handles research and development along with production for Nordic markets.
Nokian’s global manufacturing footprint and shareholder structure are documented on Wikipedia’s Nokian Tyres entry.
For the North American market, Nokian operates a factory in Dayton, Tennessee.
In 2023, Nokian completed the sale of its Russian factory near St. Petersburg and opened a new zero emissions plant in Oradea, Romania to supply European customers.
What Is the History Behind Nokian Tyres?
Nokian traces its origins to 1898, when the Finnish Rubber Works was established in Helsinki.
Car tire production began in 1932, and the company introduced the world’s first winter tire in 1934.
Nokian Tyres became a fully independent company in 1988, separating from the broader Nokia Corporation.
The company continues to operate the only permanent winter tire testing facility in the world, located at Ivalo in Finnish Lapland.
How Does Nokian Compare to Michelin Tires?
Nokian and Michelin both rank among the top premium tire manufacturers, though Nokian focuses more narrowly on cold weather performance.
Michelin operates a much larger global manufacturing network across a wider range of vehicle categories.
Nokian’s singular focus on winter and Nordic conditions gives it a reputation among the most trusted names for snow and ice performance.
Drivers in harsh winter climates often prioritize Nokian, while Michelin remains a broader all around choice.
Are Nokian Tires a Good Value?
Nokian tires sit in the premium price tier, reflecting the company’s heavy investment in winter tire research.
The Hakkapeliitta winter line remains one of the most respected snow tire families in the industry.
Independent reviewers consistently rate Nokian highly for ice braking and snow traction.
For drivers in genuinely harsh winter climates, Nokian remains one of the strongest choices available.
Where Can You Buy Nokian Tires?
Nokian tires are sold through independent tire dealers and major retailers across North America and Europe.
The Vianor retail chain also carries the full Nokian lineup in several Nordic and European markets.
Most online tire retailers stock Nokian’s winter and all season models with local installation options.
Shoppers comparing premium global brands may also want to read Where Are Michelin Tires Made and Where Are Continental Tires Made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nokian Tires
Is Nokian related to the Nokia phone company?
No, Nokian Tyres separated from Nokia Corporation in 1988 and has operated as a fully independent company since.
Are Nokian tires made in the USA?
Yes, Nokian operates a passenger tire factory in Dayton, Tennessee.
Does Nokian still manufacture in Russia?
No, Nokian sold its Russian factory near St. Petersburg in March 2023 and shifted production to a new plant in Romania.
Are Nokian tires good for winter?
Yes, Nokian is widely considered one of the best winter tire brands in the world, backed by decades of Nordic testing.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.