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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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, marked a significant milestone on 23 March 2026, celebrating seven decades in the automotive industry. In recognition of this achievement and the company’s broader influence, the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners officially proclaimed the date as TBC Corporation Day, honouring the organisation’s deep-rooted impact on both its sector and the local communities it serves.

Originating in 1956 as a simple purchasing cooperative for tyre retailers, TBC has since evolved into a sprawling enterprise. The company now employs over 3,000 people, maintains more than 130 strategically located distribution centres across US and Mexico and operates globally. Its presence spans the entire automotive value chain, encompassing nearly 470 franchised Big O Tires locations alongside wholesale distribution, supply chain services and third-party manufacturing.

Beyond its commercial footprint, TBC prioritises social responsibility through its ‘Driven to Give’ initiative. This programme channels the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement by fostering volunteerism, sustainable business practices and targeted corporate giving, ensuring a positive impact in the areas where its employees live and work.

Don Byrd, CEO, TBC, said, “At TBC, we are building on our legacy by focusing on our purpose to be the distributor, franchisor and employer of choice in the markets where we compete through a steadfast commitment to excellence. We are proud of what we’ve achieved in our 70 years, and we strive to continue to be the most trusted provider of innovative and efficient solutions for our customers, franchisees and business partners.”

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Atturo Tires, a leading private brand of performance-focused tyres for light truck, SUV, crossover, UTV, hybrid, EV and performance vehicles, has confirmed it will continue as the Official Tyre Partner of the Professional Fighters League throughout North America for the 2026 season. This marks the second year of collaboration between the performance tyre manufacturer and the rapidly expanding mixed martial arts organisation. Building on a successful 2025 campaign that delivered more than 300 million impressions, the renewed agreement underscores Atturo’s dedication to supporting the league’s growth.

The partnership will be featured across the PFL’s North American event schedule. Atturo’s presence will include in-arena branding at all 10 United States events, beginning in Pittsburgh and Chicago, as well as broadcast visibility on ESPN platforms. Further integration comes through continued sponsorship of the ‘Keys to Victory’ segment, where analysts break down matchups. Collaborative digital content and brand ambassador activations tailored for MMA audiences will also extend the brand’s reach.

Alongside the renewed agreement, Atturo has introduced two official brand ambassadors for 2026: welterweight Logan Storley and bantamweight Sergio Pettis. Storley, a former interim Bellator welterweight champion and four-time NCAA Division I All-American, is set to headline the PFL’s return to Sioux Falls on 2 May. Pettis, a former Bellator bantamweight champion known for his polished footwork and technical striking, will headline the 11 April event in Chicago against undefeated Mitch McKee.

Both fighters carry strong followings within North American MMA, offering Atturo meaningful connections to an engaged consumer base. Storley’s championship pedigree aligns with the brand’s performance-driven identity, while Pettis’s skill positions him as a central figure in the 2026 title picture. Through these ambassador relationships and the broader sponsorship framework, Atturo continues to embed itself within the league’s marquee moments and fan-facing platforms.

John Martin, CEO, Professional Fighters League, said, “We’re excited to extend our relationship with Atturo Tire, a brand that aligns with our dedication to innovation and performance. As PFL continues to expand globally – including new partnerships in France, China, Mexico and Central America – our North American events remain a major foundation of our programming, and Atturo is a strong fit for that regional focus.”

Michael Mathis, President, Atturo Tires, said “Atturo is proud to remain the Official Tyre Partner of the PFL in North America. The PFL’s North American fan base is passionate, fast-growing and deeply engaged – exactly the kind of audience that resonates with our high-performance product line. We’re thrilled to continue showcasing the Atturo brand alongside the PFL’s elite athletes throughout the 2026 US season.”

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has issued a fresh warning to owners of caravans, motorhomes and trailers as vehicles emerge from winter storage, highlighting a significant rise in towing-related incidents across UK roads. New data reveals that between 2022 and 2024, there were over 16,700 incidents involving towed vehicles on the Strategic Road Network, with a 16 percent increase over that period. The majority were breakdowns, and trailers made up the largest proportion, followed by caravans and horseboxes. With nearly four out of five such incidents classed as breakdowns and many considered preventable, TyreSafe stresses that tyre condition and air pressure are essential checks after prolonged periods out of use.

Tyres can deteriorate while stationary, even when they appear undamaged. Air pressure often drops during storage, and combined with rubber degradation, this greatly raises the risk of failure once back on the road. For caravan owners, under-inflated tyres can lead to instability or snaking, especially in crosswinds or when passed by large vehicles, while the extra flexing increases the chance of tread separation under heavy loads. Motorhomes face distinct risks due to their heavier, permanently laden construction, which places sustained strain on tyres. A blowout can be harder to control given the higher centre of gravity, and flat spotting from long storage periods may cause internal damage that manifests as vibration at speed. Horseboxes and trailers stored for extended intervals are equally vulnerable, as tyres can suffer internal weakening without visible signs.

Correct tyre pressure on the towing vehicle is just as critical. Under-inflated rear tyres can cause the vehicle to sag under nose weight, altering weight distribution and reducing steering precision and braking effectiveness. Pressures should always be adjusted according to manufacturer recommendations for towing loads. Motorhome owners must also pay attention to CP-marked tyres, which are specifically designed for camping vehicles and often require significantly higher pressures—sometimes up to 80 PSI—compared to standard car tyres. Using lower car-type pressures leaves them dangerously under-inflated, leading to excess heat, sidewall stress, and potential failure.

Tyres that have lost pressure are more prone to overheating, rapid wear and sidewall cracking, which occurs when rubber polymers degrade. Cracking can appear on the sidewall or tread even in lightly used tyres, particularly if storage conditions are poor, and can compromise structural integrity over time. Factors such as air loss while stationary, oxidation, UV and temperature extremes, ozone exposure and improper storage all contribute to deterioration. Unlike regularly used vehicles, stored vehicles miss out on the benefits that help maintain tyre flexibility and pressure stability.

TyreSafe urges road users to embrace the simple ACT protocol: regular checks of air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “With towing incidents rising, tyre safety has never been more important. Air pressure naturally reduces over time, and tyres that are both under-inflated and degraded are far more likely to fail. When towing or driving a motorhome, tyres operate under higher loads and stresses, so even small weaknesses can have serious consequences.”

Sarah Smithurst MBE, Chief Operating Officer, NTTA, said “Many caravans, trailers and horseboxes spend months in storage over the winter, and during that time, tyres can slowly lose pressure or begin to deteriorate without the owner realising. Because these tyres are often carrying heavy loads when they return to the road, even small issues can quickly become serious safety risks.

“Before towing for the first time each season, owners should take the time to check tyre pressures against the manufacturer’s recommendations and carefully inspect the tyres for signs of cracking, damage or excessive wear. It’s also important not to overlook the tyres on the towing vehicle itself, as they play a vital role in maintaining stability and control when towing. A few simple checks before setting off can make a significant difference to safety and help prevent avoidable breakdowns or incidents on the road.”

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Mitas has launched MITRAK, a new series of rubber tracks crafted to meet the rigorous demands of modern farming. By merging robust engineering with advanced materials, this range is built to endure challenging field conditions while promoting soil-friendly operation, allowing agricultural professionals to work productively without compromising the health of their land.

Engineered for an extended service life, MITRAK tracks feature a resilient internal structure that ensures uniform strength throughout. This design supports heavy loads and maintains consistent, dependable performance in the toughest operating environments. A specialised tread compound further enhances durability by resisting wear, cuts and everyday abrasions, while a reinforced track body improves balance and distributes stresses evenly for smooth, reliable operation across the entire contact area.

Beyond raw durability, MITRAK prioritises soil preservation through reduced ground pressure and optimised flotation. This approach minimises soil compaction, boosts traction and enhances overall field efficiency, enabling operators to cover more ground while safeguarding vital soil structure. With this introduction, Mitas continues to expand its portfolio of advanced agricultural mobility solutions, delivering performance where it matters most.

Roberta D’Agnano, Global Marketing Director Mitas, Yokohama TWS, said, “With MITRAK, we open a new chapter for Mitas, entering the agricultural rubber track segment for the first time and taking a decisive step in the evolution of our brand. This step reflects our ambition to offer farmers a truly complete portfolio, capable of supporting every application and every field condition. Rooted in our core values of strength, reliability and respect for the land, MITRAK is designed to boost productivity, ensure long-lasting performance and protect the soil, because real performance should always leave the right track.”

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