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.
Sun Auto Network Expands North Carolina Footprint With Multi-Store Rebrand
- By TT News
- April 16, 2026
Sun Auto Network is strengthening its presence in North Carolina by consolidating several well-known local businesses under the Sun Auto Tire & Service banner. This integration includes Piedmont Tire, which finished rebranding in late 2025, and four Tire Max locations that made the switch this past March. The process continues with Jackson Auto Worx, while Liberty Tire & Auto is scheduled to follow later in 2026.
To celebrate these changes, Tire Max will host grand opening events over two weekends in April. The first takes place 9 to 11 April at the Madison and Stokesdale stores, followed by the second from 23 to 25 April at the High Point and Summerfield locations.
These community-focused gatherings will feature promotional giveaways such as tyres and a full year of free oil changes, along with other special offers. Through this investment, Sun Auto Network aims to benefit both local drivers and the wider North Carolina communities it now serves.
Michael Loa, Regional Vice President, said, "This is about creating a more unified and recognisable presence across the region. Aligning these stores under the Sun Auto Tire & Service name builds on the strength of our existing network while delivering a more consistent experience for drivers."
Infiniteria Moves To Block Enviro’s Company Reorganisation
- By TT News
- April 16, 2026
Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB (publ) (Enviro) has been informed that Infiniteria Sweden AB and Infiniteria Europe Sàrl plan to ask the Gothenburg District Court to immediately end Enviro’s ongoing company reorganisation. Infiniteria also challenges the legality of Enviro’s recent contract cancellations regarding their joint venture and has indicated it will seek damages as a result.
The reorganisation was originally approved by the same court on 27 February 2026. Infiniteria now argues that the process should be halted at once because its intended purpose is unlikely to be achieved and because continuing would be unfair to Infiniteria. Furthermore, Infiniteria has made clear it will oppose any reorganisation plan that Enviro might put forward.
Infiniteria disputes the validity of Enviro’s termination of their joint venture agreements, which occurred on 20 March 2026 under the Swedish Company Reorganization Act. While no formal damages claim has been filed yet, Infiniteria preliminarily estimates potential claims from the terminations at roughly EUR 84 million. This estimate partially overlaps with an existing arbitration claim against Enviro that was disclosed on 6 February 2026.
Enviro firmly rejects Infiniteria’s stance, asserting that its conclusions rest on incomplete and incorrect information, making them unfounded. Together with its legal advisors and the court-appointed administrator, Enviro is reviewing the matter and will respond to Infiniteria’s claims as directed by the District Court.
Tyron Runflat Joins UK Towing Safety Alliance To Boost Road Safety
- By TT News
- April 16, 2026
Flat tyre protection specialist Tyron Runflat has joined the UK Towing Safety Alliance (UKTSA), strengthening efforts to raise safety standards for drivers who tow caravans, trailers, horseboxes and commercial loads across Britain.
Formed in May 2025, the Alliance is a national coalition convened by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety. It was created after the disbandment of the Trailer and Towing Safety All Party Parliamentary Group, driven by findings from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Nearly half of non‑caravan trailers inspected were non‑compliant, with many prohibited from road use due to defective brakes, lights or tyres. Towing‑related incidents rose 16 percent between 2022 and 2024.
The Alliance’s TLC campaign urges drivers to perform three pre‑towing checks. Tyres: pressure, tread depth and damage. Load: even distribution, legal limits and securing. Connectivity: lights, electrics and breakaway cables. Member organisations like TyreSafe, the National Caravan Council, the British Horse Society, National Highways, the Camping and Caravanning Club, the National Trailer and Towing Association and NFU Mutual tailor messaging to their audiences.
Tyron specialises in blowout protection. Its patented MultiBand fills the wheel well, preventing the tyre bead from dropping during rapid deflation. This helps drivers maintain steering control to reach safety. The system can also fit alongside Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems using a dedicated bracket.
The Alliance focuses on education over enforcement, helping drivers take simple steps for safer towing. By combining members’ expertise, it delivers practical guidance from leisure caravanners to agricultural and commercial operators.
Peter Simson, Director, Tyron Runflat, said, “Towing safety depends on multiple factors, but tyres remain one of the most critical elements in maintaining control of both the vehicle and the trailer. We’re pleased to join the UK Towing Safety Alliance and support the TLC campaign, which provides clear and practical guidance for drivers. Collaboration across industry is essential if we are to reduce incidents and improve awareness of the risks associated with towing. By working alongside organisations that share the same commitment to road safety, we can help ensure drivers are better informed and better prepared before they set off.”
Goodyear Racing Eagle Headlines The Action At 6 Hours Of Imola
- By TT News
- April 16, 2026
Goodyear kicks off its third year as the exclusive tyre supplier for the LMGT3 class in the FIA World Endurance Championship at the 6 Hours of Imola. All 18 cars competing this weekend will be fitted with Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres, continuing a partnership that began in 2024. The chosen compound for Imola is the Medium variant, recognisable by its yellow sidewall lettering, which is valued for its steady performance and reliability across multiple driving stints. This same tyre will be used at every WEC track throughout the current season.
Imola presents a unique test compared to more abrasive circuits thanks to its smooth asphalt and flowing layout that puts less stress on tyres. Lower degradation shifts the emphasis towards strategic planning over the six-hour race, rather than pure tyre preservation. This backdrop is where Richard Lietz and Riccardo Pera previously claimed their first victory together, eventually becoming 2025 LMGT3 champions alongside Ryan Hardwick. They now return with The Bend Manthey Porsche, joined by Yasser Shahin.
New regulations this season have increased tyre allocations, giving teams more strategic freedom. While the Medium’s proven durability still allows double stinting, the extra sets let crews fit fresh rubber at every pit stop, avoiding the need to overextend a stint and risk fading pace. For wet conditions, teams also have access to a Goodyear Racing Eagle Wet tyre, whose tread pattern is engineered to clear standing water and maintain grip.
Beyond the on-track action, the Goodyear Blimp will soar above Imola for its first appearance of the season. The Goodyear Wingfoot Award, decided by fan votes from both the grandstands and home viewers in a driver of the day format, also makes its return. Meanwhile, Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres are competing this weekend at Kansas Speedway in the NASCAR Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, as well as at Donington Park for the British Touring Car Championship opener.
Stephen Bickley, Goodyear Endurance Program Manager, Said, “Imola is less aggressive on tyres than many of the tracks we visit. It doesn’t generate high lateral loads and the surface is relatively smooth, so it’s naturally one of the kinder tracks on tyres. That opens up a range of strategic options for teams. You can double stint and gain time in the pit lane, or with the increased allocations, teams may choose to run new tyres more often. Our Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium tyre gives them the flexibility to consider both options. The circuit also has a clear left-hand bias, which places more load on the right side of the car. Teams may look at single stinting only the loaded side, while carrying the unloaded side for longer and doing more stints on that side. These differing strategies are what we expect will define the race for many teams this weekend.”
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