Until 1989, the IAA featured both passenger cars and commercial vehicles in one show that was held at the exhibition site in Frankfurt. Following a recent slump in visitor and exhibitor numbers, organisers VDA decided not to renew the contract with Messe Frankfurt and moved the show out of Frankfurt.

In March 2020, a decision was made to host the event in Munich due to it being home to manufacturers like BMW and several other tech companies like Apple and Google. The organisers also received support from the Greens-led city council and Bavarian state government to host the show. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the show was postponed from 2020 to 2021.

Finally, the show was held from 7-12 September 2021 in Munich. The move to Munich worked wonders for the organisers, as the 2021 edition of IAA Mobility witnessed over 400,000 participants from 95 countries, along with an international media reach of 137 billion. The show featured around 744 exhibitors and 936 speakers from 32 countries presenting their views and innovations.

Talking about the show's success, Hildegard Müller, President, German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), said, "We took a courageous step and were rewarded by the visitors. A total of 400,000 participants in only six days is a clear case of 'voting with their feet’. The visitors were evidently very interested in and delighted by the whole experience. The IAA MOBILITY is now the largest mobility event in the world. New electric cars, bicycles, e-scooters, energy policies and urban planning, digitisation and more – here in Munich, we presented and discussed what needs to be thought together in the future. At the IAA MOBILITY Conference, we also experienced lively discussions on the path to new mobility. The exhibitors unveiled more than 100 premieres of their latest models and concepts, underscoring the fact that the transformation of mobility is being driven forward toward climate neutrality and digitisation."

The 2021 edition of IAA Mobility was focused around 'What will move us next?'. Exhibitors presented their innovations focussing on automation, connectivity and sustainability. Below we will discuss the innovations displayed by Michelin and Continental and talk about the other significant exhibits from the show.

Continental:

It was a busy IAA Mobility 2021 for Continental. The company showcased a slew of innovations ranging from sustainable tyre to autonomous vehicle concept. All concepts showcased were categorised under the tagline 'Safe, Connected, Convenient and Driving the Future of Mobility for 150 years'.

The first concept showcased was the Conti GreenConcept. This sustainable tyre concept has been developed by Continental's development engineers and material experts to set new standards in integrated sustainability. The concept tyre consists of an exceptionally high proportion of traceable renewable and recycled materials. It is based on innovative and resource-saving lightweight technology that ensures an extended service life.

Conti GreenConcept tyre is made up of 35 percent renewable raw materials and 17 percent recycled materials. The use of organic materials like natural rubber from dandelions, silicate from the ashes of rice husks and various vegetable oils and resins help significantly in reducing the use of crude oil-based materials. In addition to using processed steel and carbon black, Continental is using recycled PET bottles in the casing of the tyre for the first time as part of its Contyre.Tex technology rollout.

Another advantage of the Conti GreenConcept’s lightweight design is significant reduction in rolling resistance helping improve EV range by up to six percent. According to an analysis by Continental, the rolling resistance of Conti GreenConcept is around 25 percent lower than any tyre with Class A rolling resistance. In addition, the Conti GreenConcept’s renewable tread can be replaced repeatedly with little effort. This tread concept significantly improves resource conservation along with improving the service life of the tyre.

Conti GreenConcept tyre also features COKOON – a technology for the eco-friendly bonding of textile reinforcements with rubber compounds developed by Continental in partnership with Kordsa.

Talking about the Conti GreenConcept tyres, Nikolai Setzer, CEO, Continental, said, "The cars of the future will still need tyres, which we are making more and more sustainable, as our concept tyre shows. The Conti GreenConcept demonstrates how Continental will completely convert its global tyre production to use sustainable materials by 2050 at the latest. This underlines our goal of being the most advanced tyre company along the entire value chain by 2030 in terms of social needs as well as our ecological and economic footprint. Step by step, our solutions and technologies are enhancing sustainability and climate protection on the road."

Continental also showcased its vision of an autonomous, connected future with the AMBIENC3 car interiors concept alongside the sustainable tyre concept. A combination of 'Ambience' and '3^rd space', the AMBIENC3 concept combines driving, working and relaxing in one interior.

The interior concept features the Ac2ated sound system, offering immersive audio without speakers and the ProViu360 driver assistance system, which gives the driver much better situational awareness thanks to a camera surround system. Other exciting interior features include intelligent glass control with adjustable dimming and heating functions, a built-in solar charger with photovoltaic cell and the eTravel companion software that provides the driver with tips and recommendations relating to the route, refuelling and the condition of the vehicle.

Michelin:

While Continental stayed inside, Michelin took to the streets to showcase its airless tyre solution. Equipped on a Mini Electric, the Unique Puncture-Proof Tyre System (UPTIS) made its public appearance offering test ride opportunities to certain lucky members of the general public. Announced in 2019, the UPTIS is part of Michelin's sustainable development model, the Vision concept. The UPTIS features a structure capable of supporting the vehicle while also delivering a safe and comfortableride without air.

Commenting on the UPTIS, Cyrille Roget, Group Technical and Scientific Communications Director, Michelin, said, "The truly distinctive structure of the Michelin UPTIS prototype, or its 'weirdness' as we have often heard it called, really attracted the attention of many visitors and left a lasting impression on them. It was an exceptional experience for us, and our greatest satisfaction came at the end of the demonstration when our passengers, who were admittedly a little wary at first, said they felt no difference compared with conventional tyres."

Along with the public display of the UPTIS, Michelin also showcased its first competition tyre constructed using 46 percent sustainable materials. These products align with Michelin's ambition to use 100 percent sustainable material in its tyres by 2050.

In addition to the tyre showcase, Michelin also ran an awareness campaign encouraging people to recycle waste and highlight the company's sustainability plans. Six teams were tasked to collect enough plastic to produce 100 tyres. The company has plans to utilise these PET bottles and yoghurt cups to produce and launch its first sustainable tyre latest by 2024. As part of its awareness campaign, Michelin also revealed a recipe for creating sustainable tyres using green waste and plastic waste.

Other launches

Apart from Continental and Michelin, there were many manufacturers and suppliers who showcased their vision of a carbon-neutral future. Some of the highlights include BMW's i Vision CirCular Concept car made from almost 100 percent recycled materials; automated valet parking system jointly developed by Bosch, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, CARIAD, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Continental, Valeo, Kopernikus Automotive and Unikie; driverless robotaxi for 2022 produced in collaboration by Intel and Sixt and multiple in-cabin monitoring systems for cars showcased by Valeo, Bosch and Continental.

Following a challenging phase with the ongoing pandemic, the auto industry has emerged greener and stronger than ever before and the IAA 2021 was an indication of the same. The next IAA Mobility show is scheduled from 5-10 September 2023 and we can expect the auto industry to come up with more intelligent and greener solutions to our mobility problems. (TT)

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Tegeta Green Planet opened the Light Vehicle Diagnostics course at Tegeta Academy with a presentation for attendees aged 17 to 33. Beyond their chosen vocational field, participants learned about automotive waste management and environmental responsibility.

Shalva Akhvlediani, the organisation’s director, outlined its activities and goals while emphasising Extended Producer Responsibility. The session examined how the automotive sector connects to environmental duty and why used tyres, waste oils and automotive batteries must be collected and managed properly.

Tyre management and RECSOL featured prominently. Attendees traced a used tyre’s path from collection to recycling and learned how waste becomes a source of new resources. RECSOL, Tegeta’s tyre recycling plant, is a significant infrastructure project in used tyre recycling, processing tyres into materials for various uses and supporting circular economy principles.

A core aim is a system where waste is not an endpoint but the starting point for new resources, which requires infrastructure alongside greater public awareness and information on proper disposal. For participants, the meeting linked professional education with environmental awareness, stressing that future automotive professionals should understand this responsibility early.

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Tyres Europe, alongside ACEA (the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) and CLEPA (the European Association of Automotive Suppliers), has dispatched a joint communication to EU decision-makers concerning the possible broadening of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to cover downstream goods. The move comes as trilogue discussions approach.

Tyre producers form part of an automotive value chain already bearing carbon-related expenses for steel and aluminium manufactured within Europe. The proposed expansion would draw additional products into the mechanism’s remit before the existing framework has demonstrated its effectiveness. Resulting costs and administrative requirements would land on downstream manufacturers, tyre makers included, with signatories cautioning that a conceptually sound regulatory effort could become an operational and financial strain.

Endorsing the mechanism’s aims, the signatories nonetheless urge a proportionate scope that shields the entire value chain from carbon leakage while preventing that risk from being pushed further downstream. They advocate extending the mechanism only where a material carbon-leakage danger is evidenced, and request that policymakers ease compliance demands, including via more fitting default values mirroring real production routes.

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NEXEN TIRE has extended its partnership with Zalgiris, reinforcing its commitment to basketball in Europe, particularly across the Baltic region. The renewal builds on a relationship that began in 2024 and reflects the company’s broader strategy of linking its brand to performance, innovation and mobility.

The tyre maker has pursued sports partnerships as a way to connect with fans, sharing in the passion and excitement of supporting favourite teams during major matches and memorable moments. It also values the teamwork, dedication and collective achievement that define team sports, using such ties to build authentic connections and deepen engagement in key European markets. Its collaboration with clubs including Zalgiris and FC Bayern München forms part of this approach.

Under the extended agreement, NEXEN TIRE will gain greater visibility among sports fans in the region. The partnership offers branding opportunities at Zalgirio Arena, such as synchronised on-screen advertising and promotion on LED stands near the court, in a position visible on television during EuroLeague and LKL home games.

The arrangement also includes a hospitality programme allowing NEXEN TIRE to welcome guests and business partners at Zalgiris home fixtures. Through the strengthened alliance, the company aims to share its passion with more fans while raising brand awareness across the region.

Ricky Lee, Managing Director, NEXEN TIRE Poland, said, “Our cooperation with Zalgiris has developed positively since 2024, and we are pleased to extend and strengthen this partnership. Basketball has a particularly strong following in the Baltic region, making Zalgiris an important partner as we continue to grow our presence and engage with fans. We look forward to supporting the team throughout the season and doing our best to create positive experiences for both the players and their passionate fans.”

Paulius Jankunas, President, Zalgiris, said, “We are delighted to continue our cooperation with NEXEN TIRE and build on the partnership we started two years ago. NEXEN TIRE brings extensive experience in sports marketing, and we are proud to work together on creating meaningful projects and experiences for our fans. We look forward to another successful period of cooperation and to welcoming NEXEN TIRE’s guests and partners to our games and events.”

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, has widened its tyre portfolio through the addition of four new lines under the Multi-Mile Tyres banner. Serving as a value step-up brand, Multi-Mile gives dealers a strong mix of broader product coverage and improved consumer advantages crafted to drive better retail margins, helping retailers offer greater value while lifting profitability. With this expansion, the portfolio now reaches over 85 percent of the vehicle market, offering dealers more ways to satisfy customer demand.

Among the additions are tyres built for rugged and mud terrain use, boasting self-cleaning treads that push out mud and stones alongside dependable traction both on and off the road. Also joining the range are commercial and C-metric speciality tyres tailored to heavy-duty regional and long-haul trucks, together with all-weather tyres that hold the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake severe snow rating and are made for high mileage and consistent year-round use.

A prominent name in the replacement tyre segment, Multi-Mile carries cutting-edge touring, high-performance and broad-line tyres suited to passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs. Meanwhile, the upgraded Mile After Mile Protection Plan warranty now delivers broader coverage, adding three-year roadside assistance, a three-year road hazard protection plan and a 60-day ride guarantee on top of its extensive treadwear warranties.

Rachel Tibor, Chief Marketing Officer, TBC Wholesale, said, “For more than 70 years, Multi-Mile products have offered cost-efficient, reliable and durable tyre options that enhance safety and performance. With this expanded portfolio, Multi-Mile strengthens its position as a value step-up brand, giving dealers more opportunities to meet evolving consumer needs while offering a product mix designed to support stronger retail margins. We’re continuing our longstanding tradition of supplying the right products at the right time for every type of vehicle and application.”

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