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)

Apollo Tyres Ltd has secured a one-season shirt-sleeve sponsorship agreement with AS Monaco, one of French football's most successful clubs, to increase awareness for its premium Vredestein brand.

This partnership will leverage Ligue 1's ranking as the fifth most watched football league in the world to raise awareness of Vredestein's award-winning products among a large audience in France and abroad. On November 22, AS Monaco's home league game against Brest will have the new sleeve branding for the first time. The Vredestein brand will be heavily promoted at Stade Louis-II for the 2024–2025 season, including on player sleeves and LED screens around the field. Exclusive social media initiatives will further help make the brand prominent, reaching a large and interested audience.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President – Commercial, Europe, Apollo Tyres, said, “This partnership is an exciting opportunity to strengthen Vredestein’s presence in one of our key markets. AS Monaco’s rich history and commitment to excellence mirror our focus on performance and innovation. We look forward to building a successful relationship with the club and celebrating its achievements this season.”

Thibaut Chatelard, Marketing and Revenue Director, AS Monaco, said: “We are delighted to welcome Apollo Tyres and its Vredestein brand to the family of AS Monaco partners. This collaboration makes sense in view of the values we share, such as the constant pursuit of performance and excellence. There’s no doubt that this new support will be precious for the rest of our season, which promises to be thrilling.”

Nexen Tire, a leading global tyre manufacturer, has launched the Nexen N´Blue S tyre, adding to its range of summer tyres and providing drivers with advanced safety, energy efficiency and superior driving stability in wet and dry conditions.

Developed using highly dispersed silica and equipped with an optimised structural design, the Nexen N´Blue S tyre provides reduced road noise and improved driving stability. The tyre features an innovative tread compound, formulated with hydrophilic fillers and microstructure-controlled polymers, and provides lower rolling resistance and exceptional dry and wet grip. The tyre also excelled in test results by demonstrating an 11 percent improvement in wet braking distance compared to its predecessor.

Apart from providing excellent performance, the Nexen  N´Blue S also scores high on the sustainability index. The tyre provides an eco-friendly solution for environmentally conscious drivers by minimising fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Nexen N´Blue S summer tyre is available in 58 sizes, which makes it compatible with different types of vehicles.

Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. is all set to expand its investment project in Binh Duong province of Vietnam, with the phase 3 of expansion commencing in early 2025. This was discussed at a recent meeting between Vo Van Minh, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee (PPC), and Kim Hyun Ho, General Director of Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd.

The meeting was held on 13 November at the Administrative Centre of Binh Duong province, as per an official statement. Apart from the company’s investment till date and the planned investment for phase 3, the two also discussed about the challenges and obstacles regarding procedures and processes to have more land funds to expand the manufacturing plant, along with taking measures to tackle the obstacles. Kim Hyun Ho also conveyed to the PPC Chairman that Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. belongs to South Korea's Kumho Tire Group and is currently ranked 10th in the car tyre manufacturing industry.

The company had invested in a tyre manufacturing plant in My Phuoc 3 Industrial Park in 2007 with a total initial investment of USD 308 million, which was supplemented by another USD 300 million in 2021. This extended the factory scale to six hectares and increased the production capacity to 12.5 million tyres annually. With the expansion in early 2025, the company will raise its total investment to USD 908 million and increase the factory's production capacity to 17 million tyres annually. The expanded capacity is expected to be operational by early 2026.

Yokohama-ATG, a leading manufacturer of all-terrain and off-the-road tyres, has expanded its Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range of forklift tyres with the launch of white, non-marking tyres.

The Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range consists of puncture-proof SDS tyres with extended wear limits designed for high-intensity working shifts and long durability. These are premium, solid rubber tyres developed for tough demands, a long service life and high driving comfort. The addition of white, non-marking tyres is specifically aimed at clean working environments.

Marked by a 3-stage construction process, the forklift tyres feature reduced heat build-up, effective shock absorption and minimised vibrations. The pattern design guarantees a smooth ride and good steerability thanks to its continuous centre lug and circumferential grooves. Furthermore, the flat walls and wide flat profile offer excellent stability when using a forklift for vertical stacking. The tyres are also equipped with anti-slip steel beads for improved rim fitment

In a case study on a CAT 2.5-tonne forklift that was used for handling heavy pallets on asphalt, the Galaxy MFS 101 SDS outshone the competitors with impressive performance. The tyre delivered an approximate 900 working hours before replacement against competitors’ 500 working hours.