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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Apollo Tyres has expanded its premiumisation strategy with the inauguration of a super-premium branded retail outlet in Jaipur. The flagship location, situated at Bhagwati Motors Nokha Pvt Ltd on New Sanganer Road in the Mansarovar Area, was officially opened by Rajesh Dahiya, the company’s Vice President and Business Head.

This retail concept transcends the traditional tyre store model by integrating high-end products, expert advisory services and digital technology with a community-centric atmosphere for car enthusiasts. Patrons can benefit from tailored tyre selections aligned with their specific vehicle and driving habits, alongside conveniences such as online scheduling, rapid installation and upscale waiting lounges.

Notable features include curated product ranges and service bundles designed for luxury and performance vehicles, alongside dedicated spaces for automotive hobbyists to participate in brand-driven events. This Jaipur facility represents the second such venture following a similar launch in Bengaluru, with Apollo Tyres planning to establish three to four additional outlets in other major cities shortly.

This new format underscores Apollo Tyres’ commitment to redefining customer engagement in the mobility sector, shifting focus from mere product sales to personalised, experience-oriented interactions. The initiative strengthens the company’s foothold in the premium mobility segment while reinforcing its ongoing journey toward elevated brand positioning across India.

Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President and Business Head, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, "The expectation of today’s customers extend well beyond the product itself. With this new retail format, we are creating a premium destination that combines expert advice, convenience and personalised service while building stronger engagement with the automotive community."

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Triangle Tyre has secured a position on the 2026 China Auto New Supply Chain Top 100 list, released in Shanghai on 2 July alongside the Global Automotive Supply Chain Enterprise Competitiveness Analysis Report. The recognition highlights the manufacturer's sustained growth and strong overall capabilities within the domestic automotive sector.

The annual ranking evaluates companies based on business results, technological advancement, global support networks and sustainability efforts. Triangle Tyre's repeated inclusion signals industry acknowledgment of its competitive edge and international reach, reinforcing its commitment to long-term quality development.

Innovation remains central to the company's operations, supported by domestic and United States-based research centres. The firm holds 1,322 patents and has contributed to 155 national standards and 15 international standards. Research spending reached RMB 465 million (approximately USD 68.70 million) in 2025, marking a 7.62 percent increase from the prior year.

Key technological advances include an electromagnetic induction curing process that cuts energy use per unit by over 70 percent, backed by multiple patents including two from United States. The company has also introduced adhesion protection for giant OTR tyres and launched the e-Travel series for new energy vehicles, emphasising range, low noise and safety.

Triangle Tyre supplies over 60 domestic manufacturers and collaborates with global names like Caterpillar and Volvo. Shipments for new energy vehicle tyres rose nearly 40 percent in 2025, while OTR tyre volumes grew more than 20 percent. Exports reach over 180 countries, with overseas production projects currently advancing.

Sustainability achievements include national Green Factory status and energy efficiency recognition from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The company earned an EcoVadis Gold Medal with a score of 81, ranking among the top five percent worldwide. Triangle Tyre continues to integrate renewable materials and reduce emissions while strengthening ESG practices to boost future competitiveness.

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Liberty Tire Recycling, a portfolio entity under the global infrastructure investor I Squared Capital, has announced a significant expansion of its Gulf Coast footprint. The company has finalised the acquisition of three key regional players: All American Tire, Colt Tire Recycling and Genan, Inc., the United States subsidiary of Genan A/S. This strategic move consolidates Liberty’s position across Texas and Louisiana, establishing what is now the most comprehensive tyre recycling network in the area.

The unified operations of these three firms are set to dramatically increase Liberty’s existing capacity for rubber processing and tyre collection. By integrating their assets, Liberty aims to offer a seamless suite of services, encompassing collection, processing and the supply of recycled materials. This expansion is a direct response to the escalating demand for sustainable end-of-life tyre management from retailers, manufacturers and municipal governments throughout one of the nation’s most rapidly developing regions.

Each acquired company brings specialised strengths and seasoned leadership to the combined entity. All American Tire, founded by Tom and Jodi Parker in Fort Worth, is a dominant force in collection and crumb rubber production within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Colt Tire Recycling, established by Kip and Sydney Vincent in Louisiana, is recognised for its collection leadership and innovative applications of recycled rubber in civil engineering. Meanwhile, Genan’s Houston facility is renowned for its advanced processing technology, producing high-grade rubber granules for demanding sectors like automotive parts and playground surfacing. Thomas Boehme of Genan will assume a new role with Liberty to spearhead continued US growth.

To ensure operational continuity and customer stability, senior management from All American, Colt and Genan will transition to Liberty. This integration of experienced leadership is intended to guide the future development of each business. As North America’s premier tire recycler, Liberty processes hundreds of millions of tyres annually. This latest expansion bolsters its circular-economy mission by increasing the availability of recycled rubber for infrastructure, manufacturing and high-value applications across the continent.

Thomas Womble, CEO, Liberty Tire Recycling, said, "We have always been about bringing together proven partners who have built something that enhances Liberty – and All American, Colt and Genan do just that. We look forward to combining our expertise with their proven success to provide customers across the Gulf Coast with expanded capabilities, stronger regional service and new opportunities for sustainable end-of-life tyre management."

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Citira, a Sweden-based company specialising in circular tyre management, has announced the acquisition of Gummiverkstan i Torsby, a well-established service point located in west-central Sweden. The transaction strategically bolsters Citira’s presence along the vital E45 and E16 transport corridors through the Värmland region, adding a key facility to its growing network.

Under the leadership of Karl-Johan Axelsson, Gummiverkstan has built a solid reputation over the years for reliably servicing both heavy vehicles and passenger cars within the Torsby area. The business experienced consistent growth, driven by a steadfast commitment to its loyal local clientele and a focus on dedicated automotive care.

As part of the agreement, Gummiverkstan will maintain its current operations, retaining all staff and continuing at its existing premises while gaining access to Citira’s broader resources to facilitate further expansion. Axelsson will transition into a new role as a co-owner of Citira, ensuring continuity and strategic alignment for the future.

Urban Tibbelin, Head of Sweden at Citira, said, "Gummiverkstan i Torsby is an important addition to our presence in Värmland. Karl-Johan and his team have earned a standing in Torsby that only comes from doing the job well, year after year, and that local trust is exactly the foundation we want to build on. We're glad to have them with us.”

Axelsson said, "It has been a privilege to look after Torsby's vehicles for as long as I have, and joining Citira means me and my team get to keep doing exactly that. With the addition of their backing to serve our customers well for many years to come, I'm confident we will only get better as part of the group.”

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