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 Industry Project (TIP) has announced the selection of five research proposals under its inaugural Open Call for Projects (OCP), awarding nearly USD 2 million in total funding. This initiative, designed to advance the global scientific understanding of tyre wear emissions and their mitigation, also coincides with the launch of a second funding round focused on ecological impacts.

The first OCP, which concluded in late 2024, attracted 22 submissions over a four-month period. An evaluation committee composed of TIP experts and external technical assessors selected the five awardees based on stringent criteria, including scientific relevance, methodological feasibility, innovation and potential societal impact. Three of the chosen projects will advance research into the environmental pathways and presence of tyre wear particles. These are led by institutions including Germany’s Technical University Darmstadt, which will map pollution in roadside soils; France’s Gustave Eiffel University, investigating particles in sewer systems and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, developing a new high-throughput method for detecting particles.

The remaining two projects are focused on developing practical mitigation solutions. Washington State University will research using tyre char to treat stormwater runoff, while the non-profit Ocean Conservancy will evaluate the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban areas to capture tyre wear pollution.

Concurrently, TIP has launched its 2025 Open Call for Projects, which will specifically address significant knowledge gaps concerning the potential ecological impacts of tyre wear emissions, including chemicals and leachates. This new focus is informed by TIP’s recent State of Knowledge paper series, which highlighted inconsistencies in the current scientific understanding. To support prospective applicants, TIP will host introductory webinars on 23 September 2025. The final deadline for proposal submissions to this global collaborative initiative is 15 January 2026.

Larisa Kryachkova, Executive Director, TIP, said, “The topic of tyre wear emissions is extremely complex – one that requires deep, evidence-based investigation and cross-stakeholder collaboration. Recognising this, we decided to complement our own research and mitigation initiatives by launching the Open Call for Projects, inviting stakeholders across the world to join us in the quest to uncover this multi-dimensional subject. The initiative reflects our long-term commitment to building a collaborative research ecosystem through public platforms. The OCP takes us one step forward in harnessing the collective brainpower of the scientific community and we look forward to evolving this further in the coming years.”

Dr John Bucher, part of TIP’s Assurance Group and a member of the OCP evaluation committee, said, “Sound science and robust evidence are essential to assessing the environmental challenges we face and to identifying the most effective solutions. Initiatives such as the OCP can act as a tremendous catalyst in this regard, opening a new world of possibilities. We are pleased with the diversity and quality of submissions received, which reaffirms the strong interest in this topic and the desire to engage in collaborative solutions.”

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Bridgestone Americas has introduced the new Alenza Prestige, a premium highway tyre designed for crossover utility vehicles (CUVs), sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and light trucks. This latest model integrates the company’s next-generation ENLITEN Technology to deliver a combination of luxury, performance and durability. A key feature is its extended limited mileage warranty, which offers coverage for up to 70,000 miles (approximately 112,654 km).

The tyre is engineered to provide a quiet and comfortable driving experience. This is achieved through QuietTrack Technology, an innovation designed to minimise tread pattern noise, and a wide centre rib that contributes to both a whisper-quiet ride and responsive handling. The use of advanced structural components and specialised compounds, including PeakLife Polymer, ensures the Alenza Prestige offers superior, long-lasting performance and an enhanced ride quality over its predecessor.

Significant improvements have been made in wet-weather safety. Testing demonstrates that the new Alenza Prestige stops six feet shorter than the Continental TrueContact Tour and eight feet shorter than the previous Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra, representing a four percent and six percent advantage in wet stopping distance, respectively. This enhanced braking performance is intended to give drivers greater confidence and control during rainy conditions.

Available for purchase in 47 sizes to fit wheel diameters from 16 to 22 inches, the tyre accommodates a wide range of popular vehicles, including models from Acura, Audi, BMW, GMC, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. The development of the Alenza Prestige also reflects Bridgestone’s broader E8 Commitment, specifically supporting the company’s values of Ecology, Extension and Ease.

Dale Harrigle Chief Engineer, Tyre Development, Bridgestone Americas, said, “The all-new Alenza Prestige premium highway tyre is for drivers who want a long-lasting, elegant and comfortable ride without compromising on consistent wet-weather performance. We designed it with rolling resistance technology for impressive fuel efficiency and a remarkable balance of performance and sustainability elements that match the qualities of premium CUVs, SUVs and trucks.”

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has announced a comprehensive price reduction across its entire product portfolio, effective from 22 September 2025. This strategic decision is a direct response to and aligned with the recent fiscal reforms enacted by the GST Council, which approved a substantial reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates for the tyre industry.

The revised tax structure slashes the levy on new pneumatic tyres from a previous rate of 28 percent down to 18 percent. In a more pronounced reduction aimed at supporting the agricultural community, the GST on tractor tyres and tubes has been lowered to just five percent. The company has emphasised its commitment to ensuring that the full benefit of these tax cuts is passed through directly to the end consumer, reflecting a customer-centric approach to the policy change.

Apollo Tyres' subsequent price adjustment will be applied universally across all its product lines. This includes tyres for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and off-highway and agricultural vehicles. The broad-based price cut is anticipated to have a widespread positive impact on vehicle ownership and operational expenses. To guarantee a smooth and uniform transition to the new pricing model across the country, Apollo Tyres has already initiated a coordinated effort with its extensive network of distributors and retail partners, ensuring the revised prices are effectively communicated and implemented at all points of sale.

Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President – Commercial (India, SAARC and Southeast Asia), Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “We welcome the GST Council’s progressive decision, which will bring tangible benefits to both the industry and end-users. In keeping with our commitment to transparency and customer value, we are transferring 100 percent of the tax benefits to our consumers.”

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Fuelled by robust domestic vehicle production, aftermarket demand and a surge in automotive exports, India's tyre industry is poised for transformative growth. A joint vision from the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) and PwC India projects that by 2047, production volumes could quadruple, while revenue is expected to multiply 12-fold to an estimated INR 13 trillion. This exponential financial expansion will be driven by a shift in the industry's revenue mix towards more premium products, rising raw material costs, a growing export share, the transition to electric vehicles and the emergence of servitisation models.

To achieve this ambitious vision, a strategic framework termed CHARGE has been proposed. This approach focuses on six critical levers: enhancing Customer relevance, upholding high-quality standards, fostering adaptability, building resilience through resource efficiency, driving growth via innovation and empowering strategic alliances. The framework is designed to help tyre manufacturers become more agile, customer-centric and technologically advanced to improve operational efficiency and global competitiveness.

Domestic growth will be primarily driven by strong original equipment and replacement markets. Rising incomes are boosting passenger and two-wheeler sales, while significant infrastructure investment is increasing commercial vehicle demand, in turn supporting aftermarket tyre sales. However, challenges such as domestic natural rubber availability and new mobility technologies could impact growth.

Concurrently, tyre exports are positioned for substantial expansion. Key strategies to accelerate international growth include innovation for specific use cases, securing new free trade agreements and enhancing cost competitiveness and brand perception. Nevertheless, exporters must navigate obstacles like volatile regulations and non-tariff barriers.

A significant trend will be the rise of servitisation, where fleet operators increasingly adopt professional tyre management services. Demand for these solutions, including tyre health monitoring and advisory services, will be driven by a focus on operational efficiency and customer requirements. For this market to reach its full potential, tyre companies must develop scalable, economically viable models while addressing data security and regulatory concerns.

Kavan Mukhtyar, Partner and Leader – Automotive, PwC India, said, "India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 presents a huge opportunity for the tyre industry, not only to meet the aspirations of its domestic customer base but also to exponentially scale up tyre exports, especially in the commercial vehicle and passenger vehicle segments across key markets like US and EU. Emerging consumer trends and mobility shifts, a dynamic global business environment and sustainability imperatives present a unique opportunity for the Indian tyre industry to transform itself and drive sustainable growth through 2047. Innovating at speed for global markets through advanced material engineering, finding sustainable alternatives for natural rubber and addressing sustainability imperatives throughout the value chain will be key to unlocking growth potential for the industry. Additionally, brand strengthening in export markets and investing in digital technologies across the value chain will be essential to drive productivity and a sustained global competitive advantage.”

Arun Mammen, Chairman, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), said, "The Indian tyre industry stands at the cusp of a transformational journey, driven by rapid economic growth, evolving mobility trends and an expanding global footprint. The findings of the ATMA-PwC report underscore the industry’s immense growth potential, with revenue projected to grow 12-fold by 2047. This growth will be fuelled by a shift towards premiumisation, sustainability-led innovation and a strong focus on technology and exports. As we move towards ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, the tyre industry is poised to play a pivotal role in enabling India’s automotive ambitions to build a resilient and future-ready sector."

Sanjay Dawar, Partner and Leader – One Consulting, PwC India, said, “The Indian tyre industry is at an inflection point, with the potential to create significant economic value and strengthen India’s global competitiveness. Achieving this 12-fold revenue growth will require a holistic approach – one that brings together innovation, sustainability, digital transformation and strong partnerships across the ecosystem. At PwC, we are committed to working alongside industry stakeholders to co-create strategies that can accelerate momentum, build resilience and help realise the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision."

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