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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Giti Tire recently hosted an immersive event at its Hefei R&D Centre for its distributor and dealer network, moving far beyond a simple meeting to deliver a hands-on masterclass in future mobility. The core experience was a guided tour through Giti's Innovation Hub, where specialised zones deconstructed the entire tyre development journey. Partners witnessed firsthand the advanced materials, EV-specific engineering and rigorous motorsport-grade testing processes that form the foundation of Giti's collaborations with leading global automakers.

The event physically manifested this innovation with two pivotal showcases. Guests received a rare, hands-on examination of the Giti Flexcore (Airless) Technology, a concept designed for ultimate safety and sustainability by eliminating punctures. Furthermore, they experienced the cutting edge of automotive performance firsthand by entering the cabin of the YANGWANG U9X, a premier electric supercar, engaging directly with its advanced technology and premium construction.

This carefully curated experience was designed to demonstrate how Giti meticulously engineers, challenges and validates ideas long before production. By providing this transparent look into their technological ecosystem, Giti reinforced its role not just as a supplier but as a strategic partner invested in shared growth. The event served to align the network with the brand's forward trajectory, firmly establishing Giti’s commitment to co-shaping the future of mobility through tangible innovation and deepened collaboration.

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Michelin has launched a specialised tyre engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern high-capacity mine and quarry loaders. The MICHELIN Xtra Power L5** 26.5 R25 tyre focuses on delivering durability and enhanced productivity in the most challenging operational environments while also prioritising operator comfort. This new size expands Michelin’s portfolio for loaders, building upon the earlier MICHELIN Xtra Power L5*** 35/65 R33 launched in 2021.

The tyre is built to handle complex applications, from face work and block handling to forestry transport and high-speed operations that impose extreme stress. It responds to the industry trend towards larger vehicles with bigger buckets, offering a substantial load capacity increase of up to 18.5 tonnes – a 23 percent improvement over the previous generation.

Key technical advancements underpin its performance. Engineers developed an innovative structure with a curved design and optimised rubber block support to minimise contact surface stress and boost protection. Reinforcements in the tread and shoulders improve damage resistance, while a larger bead heel enhances torque transmission and helps prevent rim slip, reducing premature wear.

Constructed to endure abrasive soils and aggressive surfaces like stone and rock, the tyre facilitates movement across varied terrain, supporting greater machine productivity. Its new tread design and unique rubber compound contribute to this robustness. Additionally, the design incorporates strengthened crown and protective layers with added metal for superior damage resistance.

For long-term cost efficiency, the tyre is designed to be retreadable, helping fleet managers optimise operational expenses. Operator safety and comfort are further enhanced by its capability to operate at pressures up to 7.5 bars, improving machine stability by 20 percent even during intensive loading cycles.

Clifford de Jager, CES Technical Manager, Beyond Road – Mining, Construction, Material Handling at Michelin, said, “At Michelin, we are always adapting and developing our products to ensure they match the needs of the latest machinery on the market. The MICHELIN Xtra Power L5** 26.5 R25 can handle the most challenging working environments while delivering optimised load capacity and improved torque transmission in a stable, comfortable and safe manner.”

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Hankook Tire is all geared up to showcase the prowess of its racing tyres as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship arrives at the Miami International Autodrome for the 2026 Miami E-Prix. The event, serving as Round 3 of Season 12, marks the series' first World Championship race at this iconic venue, albeit on a shorter, 2.32-kilometre layout crafted for Formula E's distinct performance characteristics. This new circuit configuration around Hard Rock Stadium presents a balanced technical challenge, demanding optimal tyre performance in rapid warm-up, traction on corner exit and stability under heavy regenerative braking.

The temporary nature of the circuit, blending permanent asphalt with repurposed stadium grounds, ensures a weekend of significant track evolution. As the surface rubberises, grip levels will change, particularly in high-load areas, making consistent tyre behaviour a critical factor for success. Teams will rely on predictable temperature build-up and dependable grip to execute qualifying strategies and manage energy efficiency throughout the race. Central to meeting this challenge is Hankook's iON Race tyre, engineered to provide strong adhesion and precise handling while maintaining the crucial low rolling resistance required in the all-electric championship.

This motorsport engagement is a cornerstone of Hankook's premium brand advancement in the region, running parallel to its role as a Founding Partner of the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL). Beyond the track, the Miami event will be a full spectacle, featuring a vibrant festival atmosphere with live entertainment, interactive fan experiences and local food offerings. With the home crowd supporting US-linked teams like Andretti and DS PENSKE, and a new circuit testing every component, the E-Prix is set to be a defining event, powered by the technology within Hankook's tyres.

Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director, Hankook Motorsport, said, “Miami is the type of venue that immediately raises the technical stakes. With a Formula E layout making its first championship appearance at the Miami International Autodrome, teams arrive without the usual backlog of race-weekend references. That places even greater importance on tyre consistency, traction stability and temperature control. We’re looking forward to seeing the iON Race support close, high-intensity racing as Formula E brings its street-racing character to Miami.”

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Pirelli has launched the latest summer tyre for SUVs, the new Scorpion, representing a comprehensive evolution of a line first introduced in 1986 for high-driving-position vehicles like the legendary Lamborghini LM002. Today, the Scorpion name encompasses a broad family of products, including SUV, motorcycle and bicycle tyres. This newest iteration is engineered to deliver safety, comfort and lasting performance, specifically tailored to the demands of modern Sport Utility Vehicles.

The development process leveraged advanced virtual engineering, with Pirelli’s Milan-based R&D team evaluating over 20 technological variants of compounds and tread patterns using proprietary mileage-prediction tools. Driving simulators further optimised handling and dry performance before physical validation, which confirmed significant improvements over the preceding generation. This integrated design approach yielded a tyre that excels across key metrics. It has earned the TÜV institute’s Premium Quality Mark, ranking first in independent dry braking and wet handling tests while also leading in wet braking and straight-line aquaplaning. The entire launch range achieves the top European Class A rating for wet grip, along with Class A/B for acoustic comfort and Class B for rolling resistance, ensuring consistent performance across summer temperatures.

To address the unique challenges of SUVs, such as increased weight and a higher centre of gravity, Pirelli incorporated dedicated technical solutions. The tyre features a reinforced carcass and structure, wider central tread blocks and an optimised profile that promotes uniform pressure distribution and reduces shoulder deformation. This design promotes even wear, making it ideal for heavier vehicles. The updated tread compound, which shares innovative materials with the acclaimed latest-generation Cinturato for saloons, ensures stable performance, improved wet grip and excellent mileage. Furthermore, a new groove geometry in the tread pattern enhances both handling and noise comfort.

The new Scorpion is already offered in 16 sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches. It incorporates technologies like Elect, which can extend the range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by up to 10 percent through solutions designed for their specific powertrain characteristics. Building on a legacy of over 300 homologations for the Scorpion summer range, this new generation, developed in collaboration with leading car manufacturers, already has more than 40 homologations in progress.

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