Smart mobility is as relevant as ever, with growing urbanisation rates in almost all countries across the globe. But the concept isn’t new. At least I recall reading about the future of driving when I was very young, and a university project concluded that in the future, cars would be able to connect to each other and slide onto some sort of rail system when driving on the highway, so nobody would have to worry about steering or speeding when covering the long stretches of the journey. Not surprising, the project couldn’t have been more wrong in its conclusion. But why didn’t it work? It would have reduced accidents, pollutant emissions, road wear and maintenance costs, and it would have probably been quite easy to develop guiding chips and software to let cars in and out of the chain.

Well, the answer is simple, and is proven by the fact that car sales are still going up worldwide in spite of an ever-growing range of alternative transportation methods available to the buyers: freedom. As global wealth keeps increasing, all societies can recognize that the first luxury people growing out of poverty take is to buy a car, in many cases even before considering taking out a mortgage to buy a house. Why do they do that? Obviously to signal their increased wealth to the people around them (it’s harder to show if your house is bought or rented), but also to enjoy the freedom of being able to go exactly where they want to go and when. In these corona times being able to move about without bumping into others in public transportation is of course also an important factor. If this wasn’t the case, car sales would be dropping rapidly. Public transportation is cheaper, if you compare it to total cost of ownership of a car it’s easy math, and in many cases it’s also faster and easier. Plus, you can be productive getting some work done or enjoying a good rest when you don’t have to sit at the wheel in a traffic jam.

For those who care about global warming and reducing the environmental impact, there’s even further incentive to get rid of the car, but still, this is not what we see in the new car sales figures – although you could argue that some people buy a new car because it pollutes less than the old one.

Bicycles

With all the new technology, it will be very interesting to see how smart mobility will be implemented in cities across the globe, and if it will change the trend for good. After all, it’s be big cities with massive population numbers that will make a difference for the planet. If we look at a city like Copenhagen, it has for many years focused on being the world’s best city to ride a bicycle in, and it has implemented many innovative structures allowing cyclists to zip from one place to another in a matter of minutes with minimal need to stop along the way. Some places bridges have been built just to cater to cyclists. No doubt you can get around faster and cheaper in Copenhagen if you ride a bike than by any other means of transportation.

Another thing that is becoming increasingly interesting in the big cities is the drone technology, now we have seen Chinese firefighters putting out high-rise fires using drones controlled from the ground, and many places they have also begun working as parcel or food delivery agents. But is there a viable case to argue that we will all be flying in private drone vessels instead of driving in cars in the coming decade? I wouldn’t bet my money on it. First of all, it would take long until the general public would trust a drone manufacturer enough to not fear dropping to the ground or being flung into a building or another drone mid-air at any moment. Second of all, they would most definitely run on electricity, which we know from electric cars means very heavy batteries and/or short operation times. Probably in colder regions you would also struggle with much lower performance during winter, and possibly weather conditions not allowing them to take off.

That’s another nightmare scenario – to be caught in a thunderstorm or hailstorm up in the air.

Naturally, the ultimate challenge would be that everyone would basically need to have a pilot license to operate them, and air traffic control would be an entirely new concept in this scenario. We have all seen movies like Stars Wars or The Fifth Element where flying vehicles somehow get into invisible lanes and layers, but it’s hard to see how that can go from fiction to reality.

Urban hubs

So, how can consumers most likely have their desire for freedom fulfilled within a smart mobility concept? Most likely by creating urban hubs or city line parking facilities, so it’s easy to take the car to, from, or between cities, but not inside them. At these hubs, you would park the car and jump on the next shuttle to anywhere in the city, or even ride a bike that you brought with you. Designing these hubs, along with ample green areas in the cities, is the only way that any city planner can create the grounds for real smart mobility, and not take people’s freedom away from them. Then the only thing left is to address the issue of the environmental impact caused by passenger cars, both combustion engine emissions and tyre pollution from wear during use and waste management at end of tyre life.

Tyre manufacturers don’t seem to be making huge changes to the technology yet, except for a few innovative products like the Michelin Tweel – and the ultimate challenge is of course that the vehicle so far has to be in contact with the road surface to move and handle satisfactorily. It’s hard to imagine any tyre concept where rubber against the road surface isn’t involved, and it’s also hard to imagine any tyre manufacturer supporting such a project, given the massive investments they have in their production equipment, which isn’t easy to readjust to put out something else. Well, at least not any serious manufacturer – there was a Chinese plant that stopped producing tyres this year to start producing face masks instead because of corona demand, but that probably says something about the quality of both products coming out of that factory, and it makes me very interested in reading their mission statement.

Ultimately, for tyre manufacturers to start investing in any game changing product development, we would have to see a development like we have seen with British Tobacco actually advertising against smoking – which is very much in line with the trends of the day but doesn’t seem rational from a business perspective. So, to conclude, I’ll venture a bet that we won’t see any drastic changes in how much smarter our mobility options will become until we either see a scenario that will allow people to experience the same level of freedom as owning a car, drastically reducing the environmental impact from driving and tyre waste, and/or creating cities where it utterly doesn’t make any sense to drive instead of hopping on the city’s smart mobility system, whatever that might turn out to be.

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RuLa-BRW GmbH, a prominent independent retreader of commercial vehicle tyres, a longstanding partner in the AZuR network and a key component of the German tyre circular economy, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Based in Königs Wusterhausen near Berlin, the company is marking this milestone by launching a significant growth initiative focused on modernising its production capabilities and broadening its market reach.

Since its establishment a quarter-century ago, the company has evolved from a regional supplier into a recognised specialist in tyre retreading. Throughout this period, its core mission has centred on the economical reuse of high-quality tyre casings. This approach not only delivers substantial cost reductions for fleet operators but also plays a vital role in conserving raw materials, reinforcing the company’s longstanding commitment to sustainable practices within the commercial vehicle sector.

Looking forward, the company is undertaking substantial investments in state-of-the-art production technology. This strategic move is designed to elevate retreading quality, enhance operational efficiency and ensure robust competitiveness in the evolving market. This focus on technological advancement comes in response to several converging industry trends, including escalating raw material prices, stringent climate change regulations and the persistent pressure on fleet operating costs. These factors are collectively driving heightened demand for retreaded tyres as a viable, economical alternative to new tyres.

In conjunction with its production upgrades, RuLa-BRW is actively expanding its sales network to meet this growing demand. The company’s dual-pronged strategy of investment and expansion underscores a strong vote of confidence in the future of the retreading industry. By extending the life cycle of durable tyre casings, retreaded tyres significantly reduce energy consumption, material usage and carbon dioxide emissions, solidifying their role as a cornerstone of sustainable logistics and the broader circular economy.

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Falken Tyre Europe GmbH is embarking on a new brand initiative designed to put its all-terrain capabilities to the test in a practical, real-world environment. The Falken Adventure Camp, set to take place in New York State from 28 May to 7 June 2026, will place the Falken WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA tyre at the heart of an immersive driving experience. Participants will navigate a curated route through a diverse range of landscapes, from bustling urban settings to serene forests, gravel paths and remote countryside trails, showcasing the tyre’s adaptability.

The WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA is engineered for drivers whose journeys frequently shift between paved roads and unpaved terrain. This event aims to make that transition tangible, demonstrating the tyre’s competence in both everyday commuting and more rugged off-road conditions. Its selection for the camp is bolstered by a recent industry accolade; in September 2025, the tyre secured first place overall in a prestigious off-road tyre test, outperforming six competing all-terrain models. It was specifically praised for its exceptional performance on loose surfaces, including reliable traction, short braking distances and consistent lateral grip.

The Adventure Camp’s philosophy steers clear of extreme off-road challenges, instead focusing on authentic driving scenarios that highlight the tyre’s versatility. The planned journey is intended to illustrate how modern mobility can harmoniously coexist with nature-focused exploration. Enthusiasts interested in participating can submit their applications through the dedicated campaign website until the end of March 2026.

This initiative represents Falken’s broader strategic shift towards more experiential marketing. By moving beyond traditional product presentations, the company seeks to create memorable encounters where drivers can directly experience product performance. The goal is to make the tyre’s strengths tangible within genuine, relatable driving contexts, fostering a deeper connection between the consumer and the brand.

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) hosted representatives from NOMURA JIMUSHO, INC. at its Kuala Lumpur Secretariat on 12 February 2026. The visit facilitated strategic discussions between ANRPC Secretary-General Dr Suttipong Angthong, his team and the firm’s Yoshiyuki Hosaka and Taichi Nomura.

Deliberations focused on ANRPC’s core strategic objectives, which include boosting productivity and lowering production costs. Other key areas of discussion involved strengthening downstream value addition, creating diversified income sources and tapping into the environmental value of natural rubber. Central to the dialogue was the overarching goal of improving livelihoods for smallholder farmers.

The exchange highlighted a mutual commitment to advancing sustainable growth and circular economy models within the sector. The meeting underscored the critical role of enhanced partnerships in navigating current industry challenges and capitalising on emerging global opportunities.

The collaborative spirit of the visit reinforced a shared dedication to fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally conscious future for the natural rubber industry.

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Trelleborg Tires is set to introduce a significant performance assurance programme at the upcoming Commodity Classic in San Antonio, scheduled from 25 to 27 February. This new initiative guarantees up to 5,000 hours of certified tread wear for several of its key rear tyre ranges, including the TM1060, TM1000, TM900 and TM800 ProgressiveTraction models. The offer underscores the company’s dedication to providing durable solutions that deliver tangible value, enabling farmers to extend equipment operation, minimise downtime and safeguard their investments under rigorous field conditions.

Access to this guarantee is provided exclusively through the Trelleborg Premium Care Portal. This platform not only facilitates secure registration but also connects customers with expert support and personalised advice aimed at optimizing tyre longevity and performance.

Attendees at Booth #1171 will have the opportunity to explore the company’s latest advancements in agricultural tyres, particularly for high-horsepower tractors. Featured exhibits will include the TM1000 ProgressiveTraction in size VF800/70R38, the TM900 ProgressiveTraction in 710/70R42 and the TM800 PowerFlex in VF650/65R38, which showcases a newly engineered tread pattern for improved roadability and field performance. Additionally, the TM200 ProgressiveTraction for vineyard and orchard applications will be on display in size VF440/65R24.

Each of these products integrates Trelleborg’s patented ProgressiveTraction technology, characterised by a distinctive double-edge lug design. This innovation enhances traction, stability and self-cleaning capabilities, effectively reducing slippage and vibration while boosting fuel efficiency and prolonging tread life. Visitors can also learn about Pressure Field Operation (PFO) technology, which allows tyres to perform optimally at lower inflation pressures in specific conditions without sacrificing load capacity. Through these farmer-centric innovations, Trelleborg continues to reinforce its leadership in the agricultural sector by helping producers achieve greater productivity and operational efficiency over the long term.

Tom Rodgers, Commercial Director, Trelleborg Tires, said, “We know that tyre replacement represents a significant operational cost for farmers. With this 5,000-hour performance guarantee, we stand firmly behind our ProgressiveTraction technology and offer a clear commitment to long-term performance.”

Andrea Masella, Marketing Director Agriculture North America, said, “With every innovation, we design our tyres from the soil up to perform where it matters most — in our customers’ fields. By combining advanced engineering with a 5,000-hour certified performance commitment, we provide farmers with solutions that maximise productivity, protect their investment and support long-term operational success.”

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