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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CTJ Janssen GmbH, a freight forwarding company based in Grevenbroich, Germany, has integrated retreaded truck tyres as a core element of its operational and sustainability strategy. The family-owned business relies on Continental’s ContiRe hot-retreaded tyres alongside the ContiLifeCycle tyre return programme. Olaf Meyers, Managing Director of CTJ Janssen, reports that this approach delivers high mileage and significant cost savings compared to new tyres while also reducing carbon emissions.

Founded in 1985 and now led by the second generation since 2008, CTJ Janssen specialises in national and international transport of general cargo, hazardous materials and chemical products. The company also offers warehouse logistics and value-added services. With a fleet of over 500 tractor-trailers, it ranks as one of the larger regional providers and is pursuing a holistic sustainability plan that includes alternative fuels. This year, the entire fleet switched to HVO 100 synthetic diesel made from residual and waste materials, saving more than 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually compared to fossil diesel. Combined with tyre retreading, the firm calculates potential savings of over 90 percent relative to conventional diesel operation.

The ContiLifeCycle system focuses on tyre reuse and extended service life, helping fleet operators optimise total cost of ownership. Based on circular economy principles, the concept includes new tyres, casing management and retreading. Used tyres are inspected, stripped of worn treads and fitted with new patterns, allowing up to approximately 70 percent of materials to be reused. Continental offers both cold-retreaded ContiTread and hot-retreaded ContiRe tyres.

For CTJ Janssen, retreaded tyres serve as a cost-effective alternative to new tyres without compromising safety, reliability or performance. Meyers views tyres as a critical factor in decarbonising the fleet, reinforcing the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while maintaining operational efficiency.

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Yokohama Tire Corporation, the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has introduced the GEOLANDAR H/T4 as the newest member of its GEOLANDAR line. This durable all-season highway tyre, engineered for light trucks, SUVs and commercial vans, is now available in 62 sizes covering wheel diameters from 15 to 22 inches.

Optimised all-season capability comes from dual lug grooves and wide circumferential grooves featuring sharp block edges that boost snow traction without sacrificing wet performance. These grooves effectively remove water to prevent hydroplaning, while large centre blocks are strategically shaped to improve traction and grip across varying driving conditions.

A smooth and quiet ride is ensured through a multi-pitch tread variation that disperses frequency peaks efficiently. High-rigidity shoulder blocks further reduce tread noise over the tyre’s lifespan, and on-road durability is supported by Yokohama’s advanced compound technology, which provides the strength needed for hauling and towing stresses. A dual sidewall design offers a rugged upper sidewall on one side for protection against road hazards and a traditional upper sidewall on the reverse.

Long tread life results from triple 3D sipes that increase wear resistance by controlling tread block stability while also improving dry performance. The advanced compound technology, through an optimised blend of silica and carbon, enhances tread life, fuel efficiency and wet traction.

Kevin Nguyen, Manager – Product Planning, Yokohama Tire, said, "The H/T4 is our latest generation highway tyre, following a long line of successful predecessors in this segment. It's built to provide excellent on-road durability with a smooth, quiet ride, perfect for truck and SUV drivers seeking a balance of long mileage, comfort and all-season traction. Plus, it carries a 70,000-mile (approximately 112,654 km) limited treadwear warranty for Euro-metric sizes and a 55,000-mile (approximately 88,513 km) limited treadwear warranty for LT-metric sizes."

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Hankook Tyre UK has confirmed its return as headline sponsor of Supercar Fest for a seventh consecutive year in 2026. The longstanding partnership continues with one of United Kingdom’s most anticipated gatherings of high-performance automobiles. As a flagship event on the national automotive calendar, Supercar Fest is known for combining immersive displays of speed, technical innovation and engineering excellence.

The 2026 season begins with The Runway at Sywell Aerodrome on 16 and 17 May, where attendees can witness top-speed runs along a one-kilometre straight section. Visitors will also see an extraordinary lineup of hypercars and performance models. Among the featured tyres on display will be the ultra‑ultra‑high‑performance Ventus S1 evo Z, the ultra‑high‑performance Ventus evo and the all‑season Kinergy 4S 2. A Hankook stand will include a Formula E car, reflecting the brand’s role as exclusive technical partner and tyre supplier to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

The action moves to Shelsley Walsh on 13 June for The Hill Climb, returning to the world’s oldest motorsport venue where Supercar Fest was born in 2019. This historic setting hosts an adrenaline‑filled day of supercar spectacle. As exclusive tyre supplier to the FIA World Rally Championship, Hankook will display a WRC car demonstrating its on‑track performance, aligning the venue’s heritage with the brand’s deep motorsport involvement.

At both events, the Hankook stand will showcase advanced tyre technologies, including the iON electric vehicle family. This range comprises the summer tyre iON evo, the all‑weather iON FlexClimate and the iON GT for compact EVs and SUVs. Engineered for electric mobility, the iON tyres offer reduced rolling resistance, low noise, enhanced load capacity and specific management of instant torque to help extend range and deliver a smoother drive. Interactive experiences, branded merchandise and conversations with the Hankook team will also be available.

Mark Webb, Event Director, said, “Hankook Tyre UK have been with Supercar Fest since the very beginning in 2019, and their continued support has been incredible. As our longest-standing partner, they are truly part of the Supercar Fest family. It feels especially fitting that this year we return to Shelsley Walsh, where it all started. From showcasing a Formula E car at our flagship Runway event in May, to bringing a WRC car for live demonstrations at the Hill Climb, they continue to raise the bar. Shelsley Walsh, as the oldest motorsport venue in the world, provides the perfect backdrop for this. The venue’s rich history combined with Hankook’s cutting-edge motorsport presence will create something genuinely special for our visitors. We’re proud to have them alongside us on this journey and look forward to another fantastic year together.”

Ben Francis, Sales Manager, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Supercar Fest, one of the UKs leading automotive events. Visitors can experience Hankook’s world-class tyre technology up close, showcased alongside a Formula E car at Sywell Aerodrome and a live action WRC car at Shelsy Walsh – a true spectacle on a historic track.”

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has entered into a new collaboration with Bradford Council aimed at raising tyre safety awareness among road users across the district. Given that Bradford’s roads see over 1.5 billion vehicle miles travelled annually, combined with a dense urban traffic environment and a significant number of learner and newly qualified drivers, maintaining legally compliant and well-maintained tyres has become essential for road safety. Both TyreSafe and the Council are existing partners of West Yorkshire Vision Zero, a 2024 initiative designed to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries in the region.

Under this partnership, TyreSafe will work directly with Bradford Council’s Road Safety Team to encourage simple, preventative tyre checks. The goal is to help drivers understand how tyre condition influences braking performance, wet weather grip and overall vehicle control, especially on crowded urban roads where shorter stopping distances are critical. Bradford Council continues to invest in education, engagement and enforcement to lower road casualties, with a strong emphasis on helping road users develop safer habits and keep their vehicles roadworthy.

Through joint campaigns and engagement activities, TyreSafe and Bradford Council aim to improve tyre safety knowledge, support safer travel and contribute to the Council’s broader casualty-reduction objectives.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “Tyres are fundamental to a vehicle’s safety, yet they’re often overlooked. In a district like Bradford, where traffic levels are high and journeys are frequent, worn or under-inflated tyres can significantly increase risk. By partnering with Bradford Council, we can reinforce the importance of regular tyre checks and help road users understand how maintaining their tyres plays a key role in keeping themselves and others safe.”

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder – Regeneration, Planning & Transport at Bradford Council, said, “Vehicle condition is an important part of road safety, and tyres play a crucial role in how a vehicle performs – particularly when braking or driving in wet conditions. Working with TyreSafe allows us to strengthen our road safety messaging and encourage drivers across the district to take simple steps that can make a real difference on Bradford’s roads.”

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