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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Tegeta Green Planet, in partnership with the Wasteless specific waste management association, hosted the Georgia Rubberized Asphalt Summit (GRAS) 2026 in Tbilisi. This international conference was designed as a platform for exchanging global knowledge on sustainable road infrastructure and rubber-modified asphalt technologies, bringing together industry leaders and international experts to examine both the challenges and opportunities within the sector. A dedicated panel discussion formed a central part of the event, fostering in-depth dialogue among participants.

Despite being widely adopted in United States, Portugal, Spain and across Europe for over six decades, rubber-modified asphalt remains unused in Georgia. This technology offers significant advantages over conventional pavement, including a service life of 8 to 10 years, superior resistance to water damage, reduced noise pollution and a substantial decrease in environmental harm caused by automotive waste. The summit’s organisers aim to address this gap by promoting responsible waste management and raising public awareness about the dangers of unprocessed refuse.

More than a forum for knowledge exchange, the summit served as a call to action, underscoring Georgia’s potential to become a regional frontrunner in sustainable infrastructure. Tegeta Green Planet, a subsidiary of Tegeta Holding established in 2022, was among the first companies in the country authorised by the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture to recycle used tyres, oils and batteries under extended producer responsibility principles. The organisation operates by collecting specified waste types, managing their transport and recycling and ultimately processing these materials in line with circular economy models, thereby supporting the nation’s shift towards innovative green initiatives.

Ekaterina Kavtaradze, CEO, Tegeta Holding, said, “For Tegeta Holding, sustainable development is one of the most important principles of our operations, which is reflected in concrete solutions. I am delighted that Georgia has had the opportunity to host such a large-scale event. GRAS 2026 demonstrates that the circular economy can become a real economic priority in Georgia as well, bringing significant benefits to the country, as waste is transformed into a resource, creating economic advantages and reducing the negative impact on the environment.”

Shalva Akhvlediani, Director, Tegeta Green Planet, said, “Georgia is at a stage where infrastructure decisions can shape the economic and environmental outcomes of the next generation. This summit provides us with a unique opportunity to learn from the world’s leading countries and implement these lessons at the local level. Overall, the circular economy is the way forward: it allows us to transform waste, such as used tyres, into a useful resource, ensuring economic stability, environmental protection and sustainable development.”

Giorgi Guliashvili, Chairman, Wasteless, “Our goal is to implement a fully circular model in Georgia – from waste collection to recycling and the effective use of recycled materials. Starting this autumn, Georgia will launch its first high-tech tyre recycling plant, which will process used tyres collected throughout the country. Using recycled rubber in asphalt is a clear answer to the question of how the resulting raw materials are utilised. As a result of the plant’s launch, we estimate that we will produce up to 12–15 thousand tonnes of rubber crumb per year, which will allow us to use this material locally to build more durable and environmentally friendly roads. This will bring significant benefits to both the environment and the economy.”

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Sailun recently welcomed trade and media representatives from across the Nordic region to the Sailun Polar Drive 2026 event, where the focus was on hands-on testing of the new Alpine Evo2, Arctic 2 and studded Ice Blazer Spike winter tyres. Held under severe winter conditions, the gathering was designed to let participants experience the full capabilities of this new range through direct driving experiences rather than passive demonstrations.

Situated in Munio, Finland, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, the location offered consistently harsh weather that served as the ultimate proving ground. Around 120 guests, including journalists, original equipment representatives and retail partners from the Baltics and Nordic countries, put the tyres to the test across a variety of challenging surfaces. From loose snow and slush to polished ice and wet pavement, the Alpine Evo2, Arctic 2 and Ice Blazer Spike each had the opportunity to showcase their specialised winter performance.

The event took advantage of temperatures fluctuating between -20 and +5 degrees Celsius, creating the mix of snow, ice and wet roads typical of Nordic winters. Testing took place on a frozen river track straddling the Finnish-Swedish border, featuring dedicated sections for handling, acceleration, braking and drifting. The remote Munio area, known for its pristine natural environment, also reflected Sailun’s commitment to sustainability, which includes reducing energy use and emissions during manufacturing and developing fuel-efficient tyres. A fleet of Audi A3, Audi A6 e-tron and Audi Q6 e-tron vehicles allowed participants to assess not only performance but also comfort, low noise and energy efficiency.

Beyond the driving sessions, the programme included an in-depth workshop covering tyre technology, the new winter product lineup and Sailun’s broader brand direction. Attendees also had ample opportunity to engage directly with members of Sailun’s management team throughout the event.

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Tana Oy has officially named CRJ Services as its authorised distributor for the complete range of TANA machines across the United Kingdom and Ireland, a strategic move designed to deepen its footprint in these crucial markets. This newly formed exclusive partnership ensures that customers throughout the region will gain access to Tana’s intelligent waste processing solutions, now backed by CRJ’s well-established reputation for technical proficiency and dependable after-sales care.

With a history spanning more than 25 years, CRJ has evolved into a premier provider of waste processing equipment throughout the UK and Ireland. Operating from its headquarters in Cheshire, the company has built its standing on a foundation of quality machine hire, sales and comprehensive aftermarket support, complemented by tailored advice, training and full-service solutions for the recycling, waste management and forestry sectors. Their approach is defined by a dedication to reliability and innovation, emphasising close collaboration with clients to address operational challenges through customised strategies that boost efficiency and promote sustainable practices.

Internationally recognised for its high-performance machinery and digital tools like TanaConnect, Tana Oy brings over five decades of experience in the solid waste management industry. Its portfolio features mobile shredders, landfill compactors and screening equipment, all underpinned by a strong legacy of reliability and a continued mission to enable efficient, sustainable waste processing around the world. This legacy of technological advancement now joins forces with CRJ’s deep-rooted expertise in the field.

By combining Tana’s cutting-edge technology with CRJ’s extensive knowledge of waste processing solutions, customers stand to benefit from systems that are not only more tailored and efficient but also ready for future demands. This collaboration bolsters the availability of integrated technologies spanning material handling, screening and volume reduction. Ultimately, this appointment underscores Tana’s ongoing commitment to partnering with experienced distributors to deliver superior machinery and lifecycle support, ensuring clients achieve peak performance and sustained long-term value.

Jari Mennala, CEO, Tana Oy, said, “We are pleased to partner with CRJ, who have built a strong reputation in the waste and recycling sector through their customer centricity, technical expertise and extensive service capabilities. We look forward to working together to bring Tana’s intelligent waste processing solutions to more operators across the region.”

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Kimi Antonelli secured his second Formula 1 victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, a triumph shaped by a pivotal strategic gamble involving Pirelli’s tyre compounds. While most of the grid initiated their race on the Medium C2 rubber, Antonelli’s campaign was defined by impeccable timing. A poor getaway initially dropped the Mercedes driver down the order, but he was perfectly positioned to capitalise on a mid-race Safety Car, making his pit stop at the ideal moment to vault back into the lead. He held off Oscar Piastri in second and Charles Leclerc in third, converting the opportunity into a commanding win.

The early stages of the race at Suzuka were marked by significant turbulence behind the frontrunners. Piastri and Leclerc both enjoyed blistering starts off the line, with the McLaren driver surging past Antonelli to seize an immediate lead that he held comfortably through the first stint. Although Piastri’s scheduled pit stop was executed cleanly, the deployment of a Safety Car shortly thereafter proved decisive. Antonelli, who had yet to make his mandatory stop, was gifted a free pit lane entry under the neutralised conditions, allowing him to inherit track position that he would not surrender for the remainder of the afternoon.

Under overcast skies and cooler temperatures around 18 degrees Celsius, the strategic picture largely aligned with pre-race expectations. The majority of the field committed to a one-stop strategy, starting on the Medium C2 compound before switching to the Hard C1 for the final stint. The only exception was Valtteri Bottas, who inverted the approach by starting on the Hards and moving to the Mediums. Once racing resumed, Antonelli demonstrated he was the fastest driver on track, immediately carving out a decisive gap over the chasing pack to secure his victory.

Behind the leader, a fierce multi-car battle unfolded for the remaining podium positions. Piastri emerged at the head of that fight to claim second, while Leclerc secured third after a brilliant wheel-to-wheel duel with George Russell, who ultimately finished fourth. Lewis Hamilton also capitalised on the Safety Car by pitting immediately, mirroring the race-winning strategy. With this result, Antonelli made history as the youngest driver and first teenager to lead the Formula 1 World Championship, now holding 72 points, ahead of Russell with 63 and Leclerc with 49.

Dario Marrafuschi, Pirelli Motorsport Director, said, “The quickest strategy on paper was essentially the one adopted by all the drivers in the race, with Valtteri Bottas the only driver to do something different. No team evidently considered it worthwhile to take a risk on the Soft compound, either at the start or in the final stages, despite it remaining a viable option thanks to the low degradation recorded in the preceding days. Albon’s use of the C3 was clearly not driven by strategic considerations, given the high number of pit lane visits he made. During the Grand Prix, the compounds did not restrict the cars’ race pace.

“The safety car triggered by Bearman’s off-track moment certainly benefited those who had not attempted the undercut, including race winner Kimi Antonelli. Without the neutralisation, we still believe that the pit stop would have taken place in the laps immediately thereafter. Pirelli’s Japanese trip will not end today, as on Tuesday and Wednesday we have scheduled two days of testing at Suzuka for the development of next season’s dry-weather tyres. Assisting us on track, with one car each, will be the Red Bull and Racing Bulls teams.”

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