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A finite element (FE) model for analysis of tire rolling on the drum, based on a specially developed CAD model, is presented in the paper. All the changes performed on the geometry of CAD model are automatically propagated to FE model. This makes the FE model very suitable for parametric studies, which help tire designer to quickly find the optimal values of tire design parameters. In this way the tire design process is shortened and the quality of resulting tires improved. The results of finite element analyses conducted on the model have directly been compared to experimental ones, confirming model validity. Equipment and methods used for experimental determination of braking and cornering characteristics of the tire as well as for experimental determination of friction coefficient of tire tread have been shown. The difference between experimental and numerical results was smaller after the calibration of friction coefficient had been performed and in such a way a further improvement of the existing model was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]