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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Continental addresses the needs of urban commuters with its comprehensive ContiScoot tyre line, a premium option engineered for city riding. The range encompasses over 30 sizes, fitting wheels from 10 to 16 inches and accommodating scooters from 50 cc to 350 cc. This extensive coverage means the tyre suits a broad spectrum of vehicles, from nimble city models to more powerful touring scooters.

The portfolio is designed to fit a wide array of established scooter models frequently navigating city streets and their outskirts. For instance, large-wheel scooters commonly pairing a 120/70-15 front with a 140/70-14 rear, such as the Honda Forza or Yamaha XMAX, are well-covered. Similarly, compact scooters using dimensions like 120/70-12 and 130/70-12, including popular Vespa GTS models, also benefit from the tyre's performance. The ContiScoot further extends its applicability to the growing electric scooter segment, with sizes available for models like the Niu MQi GT.

The intended users are riders who depend on their scooters for daily transportation, whether commuting to work, running errands or exploring urban areas. The diversity of available sizes ensures the tyre meets various riding demands, adapting to the agility required in congested streets as well as the comfort needed for longer commutes. As scooters gain prominence as primary vehicles in metropolitan regions, the demand for reliable, all-weather safety and predictable handling grows correspondingly.

To meet these demands, the ContiScoot integrates several key performance features. Its rubber formulation and tread are engineered for excellent wet grip, contributing to short braking and stability on slick roads. The tyre also delivers high grip immediately from startup, which is particularly reassuring on short urban trips. Its construction promotes agile and neutral handling, facilitating quick direction changes and stable cornering without being twitchy. Designed for real-world conditions, it offers a balanced ride that absorbs poor road surfaces while maintaining precision. Furthermore, the durable compound is optimised for high mileage, adding value for frequent riders.

Reinforcing consumer confidence, the ContiScoot satisfaction guarantee remains available in select countries during 2026. This programme offers a money-back option for riders not fully satisfied with the tyre’s performance, with specific market participation and terms accessible online.

Sagren Nair, Product Manager – Motorcycle Tires, Continental, said “With over 30 sizes available, the ContiScoot is a suitable option for almost every scooter model. Our goal is to make urban mobility safer, more comfortable and more versatile. Scooters combine flexibility with high everyday practicality. This requires tyres that react quickly to changing conditions while providing a safe and agile riding experience. This is exactly what the ContiScoot has been developed for, and we’ve transferred our experience from the motorcycle segment to the scooter sector. The tread compound and profile are designed for a high level of safety in everyday use – especially in rain, cool temperatures and frequent stop-and-go traffic. Our approach is to ensure that scooter riders feel safe at any time of day and in almost any weather. With the comprehensive ContiScoot range, we offer the right basis for this – regardless of whether it's a compact city scooter or a powerful large-wheel scooter.”

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Michelin, through its Indian operations and in association with the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), recently marked the completion of two workforce training programmes in Pune with formal convocation events. Project Vahaan and Project EV Shiksha together equipped 65 individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with specialised skills aligned to current industry demands, demonstrating how corporate initiatives can address both social needs and sectoral requirements simultaneously.

The programmes responded to a clear gap in India's mobility landscape. While the transportation sector expands and electric vehicle adoption accelerates, many young people from low-income families cannot access the formal training needed to secure stable employment. Michelin India therefore supported targeted interventions focused on communities where regular work significantly affects household wellbeing.

Under Project Vahaan, 35 candidates completed Level 4 certification training for light and heavy motor vehicle drivers. The curriculum integrated classroom instruction with practical driving sessions, covering traffic regulations, defensive techniques, road safety practices and interpersonal skills development. The objective extended beyond employability to cultivating responsible road users who prioritise safety.

Project EV Shiksha addressed the growing need for electric vehicle technicians through a Level 4 programme completed by 30 candidates. Training encompassed theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice in high-voltage safety protocols, fire prevention, routine maintenance procedures, minor repairs, basic diagnostic support and safe component handling. Workplace readiness skills were also incorporated to facilitate smooth entry into the EV service sector.

The convocation ceremonies brought together representatives from Michelin India, ASDC, training partners and the graduates themselves. Project EV Shiksha participants gathered at MIT Art, Design and Technology University, while Project Vahaan celebrations took place at MIDC Kasarwadi in Chinchwad. Both events featured formal inaugurations, addresses from industry and skilling leaders, certificate presentations and interactions that highlighted the connection between structured training and employment outcomes.

The impact of these initiatives extends beyond the 65 individuals trained. They contribute to workforce readiness in critical sectors, promote road safety awareness, support the transition to green mobility and generate meaningful social change at family and community levels.

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “At Michelin India, we believe the future of mobility will be shaped not only by technology but also by people equipped with the right skills. Through initiatives like Project Vahaan and EV Shiksha, in partnership with ASDC, we are committed to strengthening skill development for young talent and preparing them for the evolving mobility ecosystem. By enabling access to this structured training, we aim to strengthen road safety through better tyre care and maintenance, support the transition to electric mobility and create meaningful livelihood opportunities. Skill development has been a core priority of the government, and we are pleased to support this vision through our initiatives.”

Addressing the occasion, Vinkesh Gulati, Chairperson, ASDC, said, “These initiatives demonstrate how industry-aligned skilling can deliver outcomes beyond training numbers. By integrating safety, employability and future mobility skills, we are enabling youth to build dignified careers while contributing to safer roads and a greener mobility ecosystem.”

Arindam Lahiri, CEO, ASDC, said, “Through Project Vahaan and EV Shiksha, ASDC continues to focus on impact-driven skilling. The combination of certified training, industry relevance and inclusion ensures long-term value for both learners and the mobility sector.”

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Continental has been working closely with the Collard Group in southern England to enhance both the efficiency and safety of its fleet through the ContiLifeCycle concept. The Collard Group, a family-owned business established in 1994, is a key player in construction, recycling and waste management, employing around 450 people. Its fleet of over 150 specialist vehicles operates in tough environments such as quarries and construction sites, often navigating uneven terrain littered with debris like sharp stones and broken glass.

Within two years of implementing Continental’s ContiLifeCycle strategy – particularly the introduction of hot-retreaded premium tyres – the company achieved a 50 percent drop in tyre-related breakdowns. Transport Manager Lee Troddyn highlights the Bandvulc BIG D tyre as especially impactful, noting its robust tread design and stone-ejection capabilities are well-suited to demanding operational conditions. This has led to less unplanned downtime and greater vehicle availability.

The ContiLifeCycle concept focuses on industrial hot retreading, which allows durable tyre casings to be reused for multiple service lives. This approach not only maintains performance levels comparable to new tyres but also supports sustainability by lowering material consumption and reducing the energy typically required to manufacture brand-new tyres. Troddyn confirms that retreaded tyres have played a direct role in the notable decrease in punctures over the past two years.

Beyond the products themselves, the partnership thrives on strong technical support. Troddyn values the expert guidance from Continental’s team, whether through the convenient online portal or personalised advice on tyre selection, wear monitoring and lifespan optimisation. Paul Adams, Continental’s Account Manager, emphasises the company’s pride in supporting a customer committed to safety, reliability and long-term efficiency.

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Michelin has marked a significant advancement in aircraft tyre technology with the introduction of the Air X Sky Light, developed specifically for Dassault Aviation's new Falcon 10X business jet. This tyre is the culmination of extensive research, rigorous testing and a deep industrial partnership between the two companies.

First revealed at the 2023 Paris Air Show, the Air X Sky Light represents a new generation of aircraft tyre engineered to meet the pressing demands of modern aviation. Its core objectives are to reduce weight, increase durability, improve operational efficiency and directly support the industry's decarbonisation efforts. By employing a novel radial construction, the tyre achieves a significant weight reduction of 10 to 20 percent compared to its predecessors while simultaneously extending its service life by an equal margin. This reduction in weight is a critical factor in aviation, leading to lower fuel consumption, decreased CO₂ emissions and reduced operational costs.

The tyre's enhanced performance is derived from an optimised tread footprint and summit geometry, combined with ultra-high-strength materials in the carcass and next-generation hybrid cords. In its design process, Michelin integrates a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment to minimise environmental impact from raw material extraction to the product's end of life. This commitment to a circular economy and responsible performance includes a growing use of renewable and recycled materials, supporting the group's ambition to utilise 100 percent sustainable materials by 2050.

The development of the Air X Sky Light is rooted in a collaborative relationship with Dassault Aviation spanning over four decades, a history that includes equipping aircraft from the Mirage III to the present day. Initial conversations regarding this tyre began in 2019, and since its showcase in 2023, Michelin has engaged in continuous refinement to meet the stringent demands of the aviation sector. These demands include withstanding extreme loads, high speeds and severe mechanical and thermal stresses.

The version created for the Falcon 10X is the first in a planned family of Air X Sky Light tyres, with future sizes intended for the broader commercial aviation market. This expansion will encompass both new aircraft programmes and retrofit options for existing fleets, with each new size undergoing rigorous certification processes. By delivering this breakthrough innovation as a practical, industry-ready solution, Michelin reinforces its five-decade legacy of supporting all sectors of aviation and shaping the future of aerospace.

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