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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Apollo Tyres Ltd has launched the new Apollo Aspire 5 summer tyre designed for performance sedans and SUVs, including electric vehicles. The next-generation model succeeds the Aspire 4G+ and is offered in 24 sizes to fit rims from 17 to 21 inches. Engineered to provide a premium driving experience at a competitive price, the tyre incorporates several key technological advances.

At its core is Apollo’s Dynamic Contour Technology, which utilises an advanced tread design and specialised compound. This includes integrated ‘diamond ridges’ that absorb road shocks to improve comfort and control. Building upon its predecessor, an evolved Synchronised Tread Pitch system effectively reduces vibrations and road noise, with some sizes achieving a top-tier noise rating.

Performance and durability are enhanced through a structure that ensures even pressure distribution during demanding manoeuvres, promoting stable handling and uniform wear. A novel low-hysteresis carbon black compound reduces heat generation and rolling resistance, contributing to both extended tread life and better fuel efficiency, the latter reflected in a favourable rolling resistance rating for select variants. Furthermore, the tyre promises strong all-weather capability, with an excellent wet grip rating available on certain sizes for confident braking.

The Aspire 5’s development was validated through rigorous global testing. The results indicate that its overall refinement and comfort meet or surpass the standards set by leading premium European tyre brands.

Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “With the Aspire 5, our R&D teams focused on enhancing refinement and comfort without compromising dynamic performance. Every element of the tyre has been developed to meet the expectations of premium and executive car owners seeking both comfort and control, resulting in a tyre that combines quietness and composure with responsive handling and efficiency.”

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Madison, UK’s leading distributor of bicycle parts and accessories, has solidified its relationship with global tyre manufacturer Maxxis through a new exclusive agreement. Effective from the start of 2026, Madison has become the sole distributor of Maxxis bicycle tyres across the United Kingdom and Ireland. This move expands upon a partnership that began in 2017 and signifies a deepened, long-term commitment to growing the brand’s footprint in the region.

The decision to grant exclusivity underscores a mutual belief in the potential for further market development. Maxxis, an established leader in the premium tyre sector, will benefit from Madison’s extensive experience in cultivating cycling brands within the UK market. The distributor plans to implement a cohesive strategy for retail partners, focusing on consistent pricing, coordinated marketing and strengthened in-store support.

To bolster the brand’s visibility, Madison will channel additional investment into targeted marketing campaigns, retail activations and ambassador programmes. These efforts will be supported by the company’s in-house marketing resources, which encompass digital commerce, content production, public relations and social media management. Retailers can also expect tailored support through merchandising solutions and point-of-sale materials designed to enhance consumer engagement.

Operational stability and product availability for retailers of all sizes are set to be prioritised, leveraging Madison’s established logistics network. The existing roster of UK athletes and teams representing Maxxis will continue as a core component of the broader promotional strategy, supported by dedicated content creation.

Dom Langan, CEO, Madison, said, “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Maxxis. An exclusive approach allows us to work with clarity and purpose, offering consistent support for retailers and ensuring that Maxxis continues to thrive in the UK and Ireland. By aligning our strategy, resources and long-term ambitions, we are confident that we can drive meaningful, sustainable growth for the brand.”

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Webfleet, Bridgestone’s advanced fleet management solution, has partnered with Bia Power and ChargeBroker to form a comprehensive solution for electric vehicle fleet management. This integrated system is designed to work with a company's current setup, avoiding the need for new infrastructure.

The service begins with Webfleet providing operational data to Bia Power, which uses it to create optimal charging schedules. ChargeBroker then brings together various charging networks into one simplified platform. This end-to-end process makes managing large electric vehicle fleets far more efficient by seamlessly connecting vehicle operations with depot energy management.

It specifically solves the challenges of coordinating different vendor systems, offering a faster and more cost-effective path to fleet electrification. The services are now available globally for Webfleet users.

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Apollo Tyres has achieved a significant international distinction in workplace safety, with its Chennai and Limda (Gujarat) plants each receiving the prestigious Sword of Honour from the British Safety Council. This accolade represents one of the highest global recognitions for excellence in health and safety management. The honour was formally presented to Chief Quality and Safety Officer Yoichi Sato, alongside Chennai Unit Head C Thomasmathew and Limda Unit Head Piush Bansal.

This award follows both facilities having previously secured top-tier five-star ratings in the British Safety Council’s rigorous Occupational Health and Safety Audit. The Sword of Honour is specifically reserved for organisations that exhibit an outstanding and sustained dedication to upholding the utmost standards in employee health, safety and wellbeing. Notably, the Chennai plant received additional commendation for its achievements in Innovation and Development.

These awards highlight Apollo Tyres' proactive and systematic approach to fostering a pervasive safety-first culture across its operations. The company's efforts extend beyond mere regulatory compliance, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to cultivating secure, healthy and sustainable working environments for all employees, contractors and stakeholders. By consistently demonstrating world-class safety management and a drive for continuous improvement, this milestone reinforces Apollo Tyres' standing as a responsible industry leader aligned with global best practices.

Yoichi Sato, Chief Quality and Safety Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd,, said, “Receiving the Sword of Honour for both our plants is a matter of great pride for everyone at Apollo Tyres. This recognition reinforces our belief that operational excellence begins with putting people first. We remain committed to continually strengthening our health and safety practices across all our operations, guided by our ‘Safety First’ philosophy.”

Peter McGettrick, Chairman, British Safety Council, said, “On behalf of the board of trustees and staff of the British Safety Council, I would like to congratulate Apollo Tyres on achieving the highest standards of its health, safety and wellbeing management. Achieving recognition of this sort takes absolute dedication and the utmost professionalism. We are proud to support you in your achievements and delighted we can contribute to your ongoing success.”

Mike Robinson, Chief Executive, British Safety Council, said, “I would like to congratulate Apollo Tyres and its staff on this award, in tribute to their commitment to keeping their workplace safe and healthy and contributing to safeguarding the environment. All of the Sword, Globe and Shield award-winning organisations share a commitment and willingness to achieve the uppermost standards of health and safety. We thank Apollo Tyyres  for contributing to achieving our vision that no one should be injured or made ill through their work.”

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