The pandemic is not yet over. Lockdowns will continue to halt the industries in the near future. Amidst these uncertainties and challenges, companies will compel to adopt the work from home culture. As learning is the part and parcel of growth and it cannot be stopped so long as businesses have desires to survive and grow, e-learning will rise as true saviour

With an average annual turnover of USD 2.75 trillion, the world automobile industry is one of the most significant contributors to global GDP. The industry is also known for creating massive employment opportunities and facilitating road transport. For decades, the automotive industry is considered as a cradle of technological as well as operational innovations, and the majority of players in this sector take regular initiatives to up-skill and re-skill their employees. As technology always paves a golden path for development, the onset of e-learning has proved that it is a boon for the industry.  

Towards a smooth track

The automobile industry has gone through rapid developments in the last two decades, be it the introduction of the electronic gearbox system or mass production of electric vehicles, every change brings along new opportunities as well as challenges. To train their employees about new products and procedures and raising their productivity, auto companies regularly organise customised training programmes. While conducting such training programmes, management often comes across two big challenges. These are ensuring the availability of a huge workforce in various geographical locations for a scheduled session and choosing programmes that may cater to the needs of employees from different departments. But, when the automobile companies switched to e-learning, these problems get easily resolved.

Now, using e-learning training modules, employees in any part of the world can access to bespoke training programmes tailored by industry experts and that too without any time limitation. Sometimes lack of proficiency in a particular language may cause hindrance in learners’ understanding, but e-learning platforms which provide curated content in multiple languages have also removed this barrier very effectively. As far as the cost-cutting is concerned, e-learning is effective in this direction, too. Unlike exorbitant conventions which incur a hefty cost in terms of thought leaders’ fee, location expenses, and a large amount on logistics, e-learning is absolutely frugal.

Benefits of multiple lanes

E-learning training programmes are useful in developing both hard and soft skills among employees. Detailed and interactive videos by the seasoned trainers can be replayed n numbers of time by an individual to derive maximum from a course module. Besides, s/he has the option to choose more than one online coach or subject matter expert. The content can be further customized to topics of business relevance depending on an organisation’s requirements. Moreover, with the unprecedented developments in region-specific virtual training programmes, the industry is receiving immense benefits of localised content in vernacular languages. Now, apart from OEMs, ancillaries and retailers are also training the workforce as per their specific needs and that too in their preferred languages. Hence, locally hired employees in showrooms and dealership networks are not facing any constraints while re-skilling/up-skilling themselves.

Safe to turn

After the outbreak of Coronavirus, not only the automobile sector but the entire world economy got afflicted with the lockdown. As businesses cannot be shut for a long, work from home emerges as the new norm. The pandemic is not yet over, in one part of the world or the other, lockdowns will continue to halt the industries in the near future. Amidst these uncertainties and challenges, companies will compel to adopt the work from home culture. As learning is the part and parcel of growth and it cannot be stopped so long as businesses have desires to survive and grow, e-learning will rise as true saviour.

Learning from test drive

An effective training programme is one which leaves a desirable impact on trainees and improves their performance. So, assessment always plays a pivotal role while gauging the outcome of training. E-learning training modules work better in this aspect, too. Empowered with great analytical tools, algorithms, and artificial intelligence (AI), measuring the performance of a training programme is much easier in the case of e-learning. Moreover, based on efficacious feedback, desirable changes can be incorporated in future programmes. Hence, flexibility and customisation make e-learning unmatched in business and corporate training.

Heading into smart age

The pace at which the automotive industry is approaching towards smart and driver-less vehicle foretells that the future is going to be immensely dynamic and tech-driven. Hereby, employees of the automobile companies must have to cope with the change with gradual knowledge and skill development. Smart vehicles will be made by smart people and for smart training, e-learning modules will be the smartest choice for employers and employees.

(The authors is the Founder & CEO of SpeakIn)

Bridgestone will supply tailored-made tyres for Lamborghini’s Huracán STO, which will be launched in 2021.

Bridgestone ensured the high-performance tyre can maximise the Huracán STO’s traction, handling, control, and extreme overall performance.

Key to the tyre’s success in maximising the super sports car’s performance is the combination of pattern and cavity design. The Potenza tyres apply an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

As well as the road-focused, custom-developed Potenza fitment, Bridgestone will also be providing a track-oriented, road-homologated version of the tyre that applies “race” technologies to maximise the vehicle’s track performance, especially in dry conditions.

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “It’s been a pleasure for our team to work so closely with Lamborghini for the first time, and on such an exciting project. The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfill its full potential. I can proudly say that Bridgestone has delivered such a high-performance tyre. It has been fantastic for the team to have worked on a project that is at the forefront of technology in so many ways.”

Hankook, one of the major global tyre brands, has started testing and development operations at its new ultra modern facility in Spain.

The testing facility has been set up on the premises of the Applus+ IDIADA Group and can also cater to European premium car manufacturers that have their own demanding tyre tests. The facility is completely automated and will host a 20-member team from the Spanish testing centre, which is affiliated to the Hankook Europe Technical Centre.

Klaus Krause, Head of European Research and Development Centre, said, "With the further expansion of our testing capacities in Spain, we are reaching the next level together with our local partner Applus+ IDIADA."

He also added, "We are confident that the newly installed testing facilities in particular will significantly improve our efforts to provide the best tyre testing conditions and services to our employees and customers. In addition, we will also be able to conduct significantly more tests on site." (TT)

ASCENSO introduced a construction tyre - BLB 730- which is used for boom lift vehicles used in construction and other industries. It comes with several features that cater to the unique needs of aerial lifting equipment.

The BLB 730 tyre is available in different sizes to fit various boom lift vehicles. This range of sizes provides versatility and compatibility with different types of aerial lift work platforms.

“ASCENSO's BLB 730 tyre is a significant advancement in specialised equipment for the construction industry. It focuses on load capacity, stability, traction, and durability to improve the performance and safety of boom lift vehicles. Whether working at heights or manoeuvring on tough terrains, this tyre offers reliability and durability for efficient operations,” said the company in a statement.

The BLB 730 tyre is built to handle heavy loads and stabilise boom lift vehicles. It has solid lugs and a more extended shoulder design, which ensures good traction and prevents slipping during operation. This is important for safely carrying heavy weights at high elevations. ASCENSO has used a special rubber compound in making the BLB 730 tyre, making it durable and long-lasting, resulting in less downtime and more productivity on construction sites.

To make the tyre even better, the company has optimised its inner volume to reduce tyre fill consumption, reducing the risk of tyre punctures, minimising the need for maintenance, and keep the vehicles running smoothly.

Falken Tyre Europe is an official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 partner for the upcoming tournament, the company has announced. The tournament is taking place at nine venues in Sweden and Poland from 11-29 January, 2023. Falken Tyre claims that the partnership was organised by the sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is responsible for exclusive marketing and media rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

Falken Tyre claims that this is its second agreement with the International Handball Federation. In addition to title and logo rights (Official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 Partner), the company has also secured advertising rights, including the Falken logo in each goal and centre circle of the courts, as well as the presence of Falken branding in the official tournament social media communications and print materials. According to Falken Tyre, this is complemented by 30-second video ads that will be shown on the big screens in the nine sports halls before the start of each match and at half-time.

Sharing his views, Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, said, “With Falken, the IHF World Handball Championships have secured a great partner who is positioned with far-reaching influence in the relevant core markets. We are delighted to have been able to bring two global partners together for one of the most exciting sporting events of next year.”

Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, explained, “Handball isn’t just of great importance in Europe, but all over the world, which has led us to partake in this top-level tournament once again. The fact that the international tournament is taking place in countries that are among our core markets is another great reason for our involvement. We can also look back on a long partnership with our colleagues at SPORTFIVE, who always offers us excellent opportunities that are an excellent fit for the Falken brand, which stands for enthusiasm, performance and achievement.”