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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hankook Tire moved to accelerate its market expansion in the United Arab Emirates by hosting the ‘Laufenn Partner Event’ on 21 May. The company collaborated with its official UAE distributor, Gulf Coasts Co L.L.C., a well-established player in the Middle Eastern automotive sector.

Over 150 regional wholesalers, retailers, dealers, fleet customers and executives from Hankook Tire’s Middle East and Africa Division attended the gathering. The event served to share strategic plans for growing Laufenn’s presence in the UAE, leveraging Gulf Coasts’ advanced logistics and technical workforce to solidify Hankook’s business influence.

The programme highlighted Laufenn’s high-performance passenger car and SUV tyre lineups, including the new EV-compatible LK12 model, which promises improved performance, handling, stability and longer mileage. A brand session unveiled the strategic roadmap for the UAE, followed by a business conference aimed at maximising partner collaboration.

Jong Woo Kim, Vice President and Head of the MEA Division at Hankook Tire & Technology, said, "Based on the strong distribution synergy with Gulf Coasts, we will rapidly expand Laufenn's footprint in the UAE market. By delivering Laufenn's value-conscious strategy, which is anchored in Hankook Tire's global top-tier technology and strict quality standards, we are committed to driving sustainable, mutual growth alongside our local partners."

Hamed Ghaedi, Managing Director, Gulf Coasts Co L.L.C, said, "We are tremendously excited to lead the official distribution of Laufenn, a global brand engineered by Hankook Tire. Moving forward, we will fully activate our channels, combined with our robust sales force, to maximise Laufenn's market visibility and deliver meaningful commercial outcomes across the UAE."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sun Auto Tire & Service has advanced its strategic expansion in the Midwest by opening a new Plaza Tire Service location in Collinsville, Illinois. This addition strengthens the company’s footprint on the east side of the greater St. Louis area and represents Sun Auto’s 17th store in the state.

With more than six decades of service in the Midwest and a reputation as the Quick Change Artist, Plaza Tire Service continues to emphasise trust and dependable service. Situated at 1501 Golfview Drive near the Orchards Shopping Center and just off Belt Line Road, the new Collinsville store reinforces Plaza Tire Service's commitment to delivering best‑in‑class automotive service and top tyre brands backed by Sun Auto’s price match guarantee.

Sun Auto Network continues to grow nationwide through both strategic acquisitions and new‑build locations, now operating over 575 stores across the country.

Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President, Operations, said, "The greater St. Louis market remains a priority in our growth strategy. This location enhances Plaza Tire Service regional coverage and reinforces our commitment to covering customers in the Midwest."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Continental has officially transferred ownership of its French service and distribution arm, ContiTrade France, to the investment firm ASC Investment. The planned sale, first revealed by the company in December 2025, has now been completed. Under ASC’s management, the business is expected to gain flexibility and operate more nimbly, helping it retain existing clientele while attracting new customers with a specialised tyre and service lineup.

The deal encompasses over 130 corporate BestDrive outlets, two retreading centres and all associated administrative support for the tyre and repair business, employing approximately 1,200 people. Although sold, all service points will stay within Continental’s BestDrive France network through franchise arrangements. Both sides have chosen to keep the purchase price and other financial specifics confidential.

ASC Investment, with offices in Luxembourg and Munich, focuses on European corporate carve-outs and succession opportunities. Its leadership team brings decades of industry experience, aiming to boost performance in acquired companies through operational refinements rather than structural overhauls.

Véronique Giraud, head of Continental’s tyre business in France, said, “We are proud to support a franchise network of more than 200 BestDrive outlets throughout France. With our strong brand and longstanding expertise in the tyre and vehicle services business, we remain fully committed to supporting all our franchisees, helping them grow their businesses and realise their full market potential.”

Frederic Hierl, Managing Director, ASC, said, “We would like to thank Continental for its trust and excellent collaboration over the past few months, as well as for its confidence that we are the right partner for the long-term development of 130 BestDrive branches in France. Having signed a long-term franchise agreement, we look forward to being a reliable, agile partner for our customers and suppliers while continuing to be an important partner for Continental France in the years ahead.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone has issued a fresh advisory for motorists feeling the strain of high petrol prices, emphasising that vehicle efficiency extends well beyond the fuel pump. The tyre manufacturer argues that tyres themselves play a measurable role in household fuel budgets and that drivers can achieve significant savings by shifting their focus from fuel costs alone to broader vehicle maintenance and driving habits.

To help consumers maximise every tank, Bridgestone has outlined several practical steps aimed at reducing fuel consumption, improving road safety and lowering emissions. The company stresses that minor adjustments in tyre choice, upkeep and driving behaviour can accumulate into meaningful financial and environmental benefits. A key message from Bridgestone’s Technical Manager Peter Moulding is that many drivers underestimate how greatly tyres and driving style influence fuel economy and safety.

Among Bridgestone’s recommendations, selecting fuel-efficient tyres with low rolling resistance, such as the Turanza 6 model, is highlighted as a primary measure. Regular tyre pressure checks are also critical, as incorrect inflation increases rolling resistance and degrades braking and handling. Additionally, maintaining proper tyre condition through simple tread tests prevents the engine from working harder than necessary, while smooth driving and avoidance of harsh acceleration are presented as major factors in reducing consumption.

Further advice includes anticipating road conditions to maintain steady speeds and using cruise control selectively on flat motorways but not on hilly or winding routes. Drivers are also urged to remove unnecessary weight and roof racks and to close windows at higher speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag. These steps, when combined, help preserve tyre performance and enhance overall efficiency.

Modern tyre technology, exemplified by the Bridgestone Turanza 6 with ENLITEN technology, offers an optimised balance of reduced rolling resistance, safety and long wear life. This EV-ready, all-season tyre suits both combustion engine and electric vehicles, ensuring that efficiency improvements do not compromise everyday usability or road safety when paired with proper maintenance and driving discipline.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!