Six currencies, with an estimated population of 184 million - the East African community exists around the Great Lakes Region. “The Cradle of Mankind” is what it is called. This region lies in the heart of Africa and is home to both flora and fauna as it may have existed in the primordial times, undisturbed – SMART.

Mobility has changed considerably in this region by the way the tyres here have found their way into this market. In 1998, Truck Tubeless Tyre Conversions began in Kenya and quickly spread out to the neighboring regions. Presently 95% of the tyres found in fleets are tubeless and there is 100% conversion rate on Passenger and 4x4 range of vehicles. It was the SMART thing to do. The millennium saw an influx of Fleet Management softwares, Tyre Management Contracts, with the help of Budini Tyre Management Software. Unprecedented tyre training, growing investments in tyre machinery, tools and accessories investments. Technology and processes peaked and the bubble burst.

On the tyre spectrum 12.00R20, which was the predominant tyre size, was replaced by the low profile 315/80R22.5 (not the 13R22.5) which continues to hog 60% of the truck tyre market. The 8.25R16 was replaced by the 265/70R19.5 and 295/80R22.5 (together with 12R22.5) replaced 11.00R20. On the tyre spectrum and front we were ahead of developed, space (nuclear) age countries like India and the Gulf where tubeless conversions were less and the predominant sizes remained to be 10.00R20 and 12.00R24 respectively.

Tubeless rims became the order of the day and even when Trilex Split rims (80 years technology) are still in use in the Gulf. For a market that churns out approximately 600,000 trucks tyre casings per year, tyre retreading is the environmentally SMART thing to do. The cold procured tread process replaced the hot casing damaging process.  East Africa has not been left  SMARTing in this field either.

What went wrong:

1.  Intelligent Organisations. Any intelligent system must be data-driven

The primary objective of any successful organisation is to analyse large pools of data accumulated over long periods of time in their areas of operations (This includes transporters, tyre importers and distributors and tyre manufacturers). Increasingly organisational decisions are NOT taken by managers’ intuition and common sense but algorithms and data derived electronically from recording of our interactions and experiences with customers. Selling tyres has ceased to be a contact sport it has degenerated in some quarters into a Nintendo like encounter.

Intelligent organisations normally SCALE (Sense, Comprehend, Act, Learn and Explain) their environment with managers/ owners / directors ceding authority over certain decisions while acquiring new capabilities and roles for themselves. As conjoined twins, SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) and SCALE goals must be matched.

Let me give illustration with a story. In Africa we love to do so. Reader’s discretion is advised!

A (SMART) priest arrived late at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, for a climbing expedition the following day. Exhausted, he searched for a room in the nearest inn. Only one room was available which he was requested by the motel owner to share with a beautiful lady wearing a stunning fishy (SCALEy) dress who had arrived late for the same expedition. To make matters worse, there was only one mattress. The exhausted lady prepared and slept on one side of the mattress, while the honorable  priest laid the sheet and slept on the cold floor two meters away. The following morning at the breakfast table the priest formally introduced himself to the beautiful lady as asked her where she was from. She on the other hand enquired of the priest as to his mission at the Kilimanjaro. “ I have come to climb and conquer this greatest mountain in Mother Africa,” he said proudly trying to impress her. She paused and after a sigh said to  the priest in a low voice, “Tell me exactly how you intend to climb this mountain when you cannot SCALE up a six-inch mattress?!”  Moral of the story: No matter how good your SMART goals are, you must act on SCALE-ing the heights.

2. Smart Technologies portend a smart working force

Tony Nicolini – Founder of the Budini Tyre Software and Systems, puts it beautifully when he says “Technology is only as smart as the users want it to be.”  The exponential growth of data capturing capability has not been matched by its harnessing and channeling into useful avenues largely because investments are low in the field of tyre education and  tyre infrastructure. Having experience Tyre related trainings in different parts of the world, our region receives but a trickle of the much-needed skill laced training that would sharpen their senses in order to tyre SCALE better.

The three aspects related to Smart Tyre Technology are:

Smart transporters

Zul is a transporter who runs a successful bus company. Operating from the heart of Nairobi, to most parts of Kenya. He keeps meticulous records on all his tyre records. These records were the basis for decision making for a transport company that has had the least number of fatalities in the country. Zul represents about 5% of transporters in this region who have scrupulous, readily available  data that is open to scrutiny not only by his own company but can be used by suppliers.

In 2012 I had a chance to visit Tyre Heaven, a company in Sao Paulo. They invited Nicolini (Budini) and me to visit their premises. With over 700 trucks and trailers, there were there only three persons working in the tyre department. Cradle-to-Grave tyre data is maintained for all tyres. Once or twice a year, like a pilgrimage, representatives major tyre suppliers congregate in the transport premises to tender openly for 8,000 tyres.

Smart processes

Special Sales approaches to the market determine the success or failure or a sales person. Many transporters, tyre importers or dealers approach to own products with little comprehension on the conditions of use. Mismatch between tyres and vehicles, tyre and routes, have only added to the chagrin on the end-user. Professional ethics prohibit me from dwelling too much into these sales processes to end-users and dealers, but to say the least, these methodical approaches have no substitute. As a result of tyres being treated as a commodity, where price is the only point of discussion, SMART tyres with lipstick and high-heels have found their way into a hostile market that has unpaved roads, untrained staff and uncaring drivers in some instances.

The readers of this article may have had access to better tyre optimisation processes than the ones I will mention below. Yet I can say without a doubt now will match the dedication and follow-up that is offered by the Budini Tyre Management Systems.

• The Tyre Optimisation Process is a non-patented process that was arrived at by a team of tyre experts on casing (yet not tyre optimisation) in order to achieve the lowest cost per Kilometer in a particular fleet. Pocket Suit, Survey Web and TMS are worth a glance.

Feature Benefits and Evidence (FABEs) is the way tyres were sold, sadly price has over-shadowed all three since both  the purchaser nor the seller are reluctant to discuss the matters relating to performance. Benchmarking of tyre mileages across fleets is more often than not misleading.

Smart sales people

Ajay, Yves, Mick and Tony belong to a fading rare breed of people who were tyre  fleet problem solvers. These gate-keepers and well-trained mentors in process described above played and continued to give solutions and on-site training in the harsh environments. What is common about this people in how  SMART or wise they are. It is the extremely long span of attention they dedicate in their line of duty. It is therefore worrying that today when the tyre is being treated as a commodity and not a Safety Engineering piece of equipment, Africa and Africans without secure gate keepers and anti-dumping laws will fall prey to fast talking sales persons with tik-tok attention spans. If I were to be the Chief Tyre General –  Certain Tyres would only be sold on prescriptions.

In  South Africa, it was uncommon for representatives of different companies to meet at a major transporter and conduct a joint scrap and claim analysis. Just like doctors conducting a post-mortem, sample casings from each brand would be analysed and reported before they would rest back for a Friday  Brae and Beer. SMART. I know this may be happening in other parts of the word any it is the reason we now have the Radial Tyre Damage Book.

RFID, push alerts, Translogic tools, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems) are all example of Smart technologies that many sales persons, managers, owners and directors are aware of but are not capable of implementing just yet. However, training might be that essential key that unlocks the thirst for the much-needed necessities.

I end this article with the SMARTest thing I have heard this year and maybe for a long time. It comes from a great mind in Tyre Management “It does not matter how you record (label) tyres in whatever system you have….what matters is what you do with that tyre after that. A basic tyre system understood by all is the best way to involve others and come out with shining success. It beats even the tyre RFID systems - Marcio Olievera (Budini Systems – SMARTyre SCALER).

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Hankook Tire has earned a notable honour in the 2026 Auto Express Product Awards, with its Ventus evo model receiving a commendation within the Summer Tyre classification. The recognition places the company’s flagship ultra-high-performance tyre among the year’s most impressive automotive products as determined by the influential British publication.

This accolade traces back to an extensive comparative analysis conducted by Auto Express, the findings of which first appeared in the magazine’s August 2025 edition. The testing regimen focused on the widely used 225/40 R18 size and featured nine competing brands. The subsequent awards announcement, which included this commendation, was made public in the periodical's April 2026 issue.

Evaluation protocols were notably exhaustive, encompassing both wet and dry surface assessments alongside metrics such as rolling resistance and acoustic comfort. Wet-track drills scrutinised braking distances, cornering stability and aquaplaning resistance, while dry-track sessions measured steering precision, grip levels and chassis balance. Judges additionally conducted subjective road tests to gauge steering feedback and ride quality across diverse pavement types.

The Ventus evo ultimately claimed third position overall, distinguishing itself particularly through superior wet-weather capabilities, including braking performance that rivalled the category leader. Designed as the newest iteration of Hankook’s premier summer tyre line, the product incorporates sophisticated tread architecture aimed at premium sports sedans and coupes. This commendation bolsters Hankook’s reputation for engineering tyres that adeptly harmonise dynamic handling, safety margins and cost-effectiveness for discerning motorists.

Ho Seok Chea, Managing Director, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “Independent third-party testing is a valuable endorsement of our engineering standards, confirming that our products provide the quality, performance and long-term reliability expected in real-world conditions.”

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Mitas has confirmed its role as the Main Sponsor for the 71st World Ploughing Championship, scheduled to take place from 3 to 6 September 2026 in Osijek-Baranja County, Croatia. This engagement follows the brand’s notable participation in the 2025 edition held in the Czech Republic, reinforcing its dedication to premier agricultural events that honour farming heritage.

Organised under the World Ploughing Organisation, the competition will draw participants and agricultural professionals from over 30 nations. The event serves as a global stage for ploughing proficiency, embodying precision and land stewardship – principles that resonate with Mitas’ ongoing mission to support the farming community worldwide. The company will leverage its sponsorship to secure a visible event presence, facilitating direct interaction with farmers, dealers and industry partners at its dedicated stand.

Attendees can explore the company’s latest agricultural tyre innovations, including the GRANTERRA series for high-horsepower tractors and the AGRITERRA ULTRA for transport applications. Additionally, Mitas will back the Croatian national ploughing team, aiding local competitors in their home-country challenge against elite international ploughmen and women.

Roberta D'Agnano, Global Brand Director Mitas at Yokohama TWS, said "Ploughing is one of the oldest agricultural skills, yet it remains a powerful symbol of everything that makes farming extraordinary: precision, experience and dedication to the land. That is why the World Ploughing Championship feels so close to the Mitas spirit. It brings together people who share a genuine passion for agriculture and a constant drive to do things better. We are proud to return as Main Sponsor, supporting these passionate teams and showcasing solutions that help farmers tackle today's challenges with confidence."

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has forged a new alliance with Sheffield City Council aimed at elevating tyre safety awareness among the city's motorists. This initiative specifically targets Sheffield’s substantial student demographic and its numerous newly qualified drivers, recognising their particular vulnerability on the roads.

Sheffield's urban transport network accommodates over 1.7 billion vehicle miles annually, predominantly through short, daily commutes that exert significant stress on tyres. The city's diverse vehicle fleet includes a notable proportion of older or shared cars, which underscores the critical necessity for regular tyre maintenance. The collaboration will promote straightforward, preventative checks focusing on air pressure, tread depth and overall tyre health.

This partnership will weave tyre safety education into various local road safety campaigns, aiding the Council's broader objectives to diminish casualties on city roads. By instilling good vehicle maintenance habits early, especially among learners and students, the programme aims to foster lifelong safety practices. This concerted effort supports the Council's ongoing mission to reduce the number of individuals killed or seriously injured on Sheffield's thoroughfares.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “In a city like Sheffield, where traffic density is high and journeys are frequent, making sure tyres are properly maintained is essential. By partnering with Sheffield City Council, we can reinforce these vital safety messages and encourage road users to make tyre checks part of their regular routine.”

Cllr Alexi Dimond, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said, “Tyre safety is a fundamental part of road safety, but it’s something many road users – particularly those newer to driving and riding – don’t always remember to check. I’m pleased to announce this new partnership with TyreSafe, which will help ensure that practical tyre safety advice reaches road users at all stages. This scheme will give them the knowledge and confidence to keep vehicles safe and roadworthy in all weather conditions. Tyre safety can help reduce collisions and contribute to Vision Zero: our ambition to have no fatalities on Sheffield’s roads.”

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Atturo Tires has entered into a multiyear agreement to serve as the exclusive tyre brand for Mecum Auctions, the host of the World’s Largest Collector Car Auction. This strategic alliance positions Atturo at the heart of a dedicated automotive community that includes collectors, builders and daily drivers who value performance, style, durability and affordability – principles that have guided the tire manufacturer since its inception in 2009.

As the category-exclusive tyre sponsor for Mecum’s 2026-27 auction calendar, Atturo will benefit from extensive branding and promotional integration. This includes visibility across live events, television broadcasts, digital platforms, print media and social channels, all aimed at increasing brand recognition among consumers who actively seek Atturo products through dealerships.

The auction’s diverse lineup of muscle cars, luxury vehicles and off-road models aligns perfectly with Atturo’s target audience, showcasing Trail Blade and AZ tyres alongside enthusiast favourites. To support its dealer network, Atturo will provide co-brandable materials, event photography and sponsorship talking points via the dealer portal, reinforcing the brand’s national presence and its message of accessible performance.

Michael Mathis, President, Atturo Tires, said, “Mecum's audience is our audience. The people who show up to watch a Challenger cross the block or a built Bronco roll through the lot are the same drivers who trust Atturo on their daily vehicle, their weekend build and everything in between. This partnership puts our Trail Blade and AZ lines directly in front of them – and gives our dealer network another example of how Atturo is becoming the best-known private brand in the country.”

Breeann Poland, Director – Marketing and Communications, Mecum, said, “Mecum Auctions is excited to join forces with Atturo Tires by bringing them on as our official and exclusive tyre partner. Atturo has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality tyres for automotive enthusiasts of every kind, from racers and off-road enthusiasts to the everyday driver and weekend cruiser. That diverse range of customers they serve makes Atturo an excellent choice for our equally wide-ranging Mecum community.”

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