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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THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026 commences tomorrow, marking the premier gathering for the global tyre and wheel sector. The opening day promises a dense schedule of industry-shaping events, from political discussions to technical innovations, as the trade fair becomes the central hub for professionals seeking solutions to contemporary market challenges.

A total of 388 exhibitors representing 34 countries will showcase products and services across the entire value chain. The first day alone features three press conferences addressing current and future industry hurdles. Attendees can expect a mix of political impulses, international conferences, practical demonstrations and extensive networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration.

Key highlights begin with a morning session on North Rhine-Westphalia’s role as a leader in tyre circular economy, where Environment and Transport Minister Oliver Krischer will present the ‘Roadmap Tyre Circular Economy North Rhine-Westphalia 2030’ alongside real-world research examples. Later, the Global OTR Conference will focus on safety and efficiency for off-the-road tyres, while the ‘Runderneuert’ initiative at the AZuR Netzwerk pavilion demonstrates how modern retreading combines economic benefits with sustainable cycles.

Additional first-day attractions include the debut of Vipal V SUPER HYBRID remoulding technology on the SERVICE STAGE, engineered for varied usage conditions to improve mileage and reduce operating costs. Visitors can also participate in the WALK OF SERVICES, exploring workshop concepts throughout the fair area for chances to win daily prizes from sponsors including Bartec, Corghi, ALCAR and ALZURA based on station visits.

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World Environment Day should not only remind us about the environmental challenges we face today but also make us realise how urgently we need to change the way we produce, consume and manage waste across industries and communities. For decades, waste has continued to accumulate faster than our ability to process it responsibly, which has directly impacted our ecosystems, natural resources, public health and the future of coming generations. The reality is that environmental sustainability can no longer remain limited to discussions, annual reports or long-term commitments because the planet needs immediate and measurable action.

One of the biggest changes we need today is a shift in mindset where waste is no longer viewed as something to discard but as a resource that holds economic and environmental value when managed through the right systems and technologies. Countries across the world are moving towards circular economy models because they understand that sustainable growth will only be possible when industries reduce landfill dependency, recover value from waste and invest in cleaner processes that protect the environment while supporting economic progress.

India has made significant progress in building awareness around sustainability, recycling and environmental responsibility over the last decade, and government is leaving no stone unturned to formalise this sector in terms of infrastructure, technology adoption, policy implementation and collective participation.

To support the government’s initiative, we all must work together with greater accountability to strengthen recycling ecosystems, encourage responsible waste management practices and create long-term environmental impact through real execution rather than temporary solutions.

As someone who has spent years working closely with the recycling industry, I strongly believe that technology will play one of the most critical roles in solving future environmental challenges because efficient recycling systems can help recover valuable resources, reduce pollution, lower landfill burden and conserve energy for a more sustainable future. This belief is also deeply connected to our motto, ‘Committed to Create a Green Future’, which reflects the responsibility we all share towards protecting the environment through meaningful and long-term action. However, technology alone cannot create change unless it is supported by intent, awareness and collective responsibility.

On this World Environment Day, let us move beyond conversations and take meaningful steps towards building a cleaner, greener and more sustainable planet where environmental progress is driven by action, innovation and responsibility for future generations.

Jignesh Kundaria
Director and CEO, Fornnax

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TyreSafe has issued an urgent appeal for motorcyclists to prioritise tyre maintenance as new government data shows a worrying rise in rider deaths. The safety organisation is backing the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Operation Apex, a road safety initiative running from 1 to 14 June.

According to provisional casualty figures from the Department for Transport, motorcycle users recorded the largest percentage increase in fatalities among all major road user groups across Great Britain. An estimated 384 riders lost their lives in 2025, representing a 13 percent rise compared to the previous year and marking the second consecutive annual increase.

Although motorcyclists make up a small fraction of overall traffic, they remain heavily overrepresented in serious and fatal collision statistics. In response, TyreSafe is using Operation Apex to promote a simple pre-ride tyre check known as ACT, which covers air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Riders are advised to check air pressure when tyres are cold using an accurate gauge and to follow manufacturer recommendations, adjusting for luggage or passengers. Visual inspections before every ride should look for cuts, bulges, embedded objects, uneven wear or signs of ageing. For tread depth, motorcycles over 50 cc require a minimum of one millimetre across the central three quarters of the tyre, while smaller mopeds need all original grooves clearly visible.

TyreSafe recommends performing these checks before each journey, especially after storage, bad weather or long trips. The organisation has released free resources including a guide, leaflet, poster, videos and social media assets to support Operation Apex and encourage safer riding habits.

These materials are available for riders, instructors and safety groups to download from the TyreSafe website throughout June. The initiative aims to reduce preventable incidents by helping motorcyclists recognise warning signs and maintain their tyres properly.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “The latest casualty figures are a stark reminder that riders remain among the most vulnerable people on our roads. For many riders, motorcycles and scooters provide freedom, independence and essential transport – but that freedom depends on machines being safe, sustainable and roadworthy. Tyres are too often overlooked, yet they play a critical role in how a motorcycle brakes, corners and responds in an emergency.

“Our message during Operation Apex is simple: ACT before every ride by checking Air pressure, Condition and Tread. A few moments spent checking tyres can make a significant difference to safety. Tyre safety should become part of every rider’s routine, just like checking fuel or putting on protective equipment. ACT is easy to remember and empowers riders to take control of their own safety before setting off. Tyre safety is not about fear – it is about preparation. You cannot control every hazard on the road, but you can control whether your motorcycle is ready to respond safely when the unexpected happens.”

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The Goodyear Blimp has redefined its century-long legacy of hovering over major pop culture moments by hosting a first-of-its-kind music festival inside an airship hangar. Dubbed BANGR at the HANGR, the event marked the brand’s second annual birthday celebration, transforming the massive space into a high-energy bash.

Festivalgoers experienced a series of exclusive attractions, including a ride aboard the Wingfoot One blimp itself. A headlining DJ set from Noizu was delivered from a stage built with Goodyear tyres, while guests also browsed signature merchandise and attended an after-party in a uniquely blimp-worthy atmosphere.

The event featured an eclectic roster of attendees, from nostalgic mascots to local sports icons. Participants included the Care Bears, puppies from Kind Paw Rescue wearing Fi GPS wearables, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, an inflatable Flo from Progressive, Rainforest Cafe’s Cha! Cha! The Tree Frog, Geoffrey from Toys“R”Us and Vita Coco’s Coco Man.

Swensons Drive-In also made an appearance, alongside Ohio-based sports mascots such as Chomps from the Cleveland Browns, Flash from Kent State University and Zippy from the University of Akron. From chaotic dance floor moments to oversized photo opportunities, the birthday celebration was a blend of fun and charm as intended by the high-flying guest of honour.

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