TechnoMarketing Group, led by Ralph Dubbeldam, has quietly become a trailblazer in the mobile tyre service sector. From humble beginnings in manual truck tyre changing to pioneering compact, efficient mobile workshops, Dubbeldam’s vision has reshaped tyre service models globally. With the advent of mobile servicing solutions tailored to modern vehicle needs, TechnoMarketing’s products have empowered companies like Rivian and Mercedes-Benz to meet customer demands on the go. Yet, Dubbeldam’s journey isn’t just about innovation – it’s about adapting to the complexities of global markets, space constraints and evolving automotive trends, positioning the company at the forefront of the industry’s transformation.

In an unassuming Dutch town near the port of Antwerp, a quiet revolution in tyre service is underway. Roosendaal may not be the first place one associates with automotive innovation, but it’s the operational base of a company shaping how tyres are serviced globally. Ralph Dubbeldam, the founder and owner of TechnoMarketing Group, has spent the past two decades not just selling tools but reimagining the future of mobile vehicle servicing.

“I always tell people we develop, build, create and trade,” says Dubbeldam. “It’s still the best summary of what I do.”

Today, TechnoMarketing Group supplies purpose-built mobile tyre service equipment to everyone from start-ups in Seoul to automotive giants like Mercedes-Benz and Rivian. But the journey began with a chance encounter at Europe’s largest truck show and a pair of American-made tyre tools.  

Dubbeldam’s entrepreneurial journey began over two decades ago, when a neighbour invited him to the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hannover. Wandering the exhibition, he struck up a conversation with American manufacturers of tools for changing tubeless truck tyres. That serendipitous moment set him on a new path.

“I became their European partner, which I still am today,” he recalled. “That meant in the early years I was mainly changing truck tyres myself manually,” he added.

The hands-on experience wasn’t glamorous, but it grounded Dubbeldam in the practical needs of tyre service professionals. It also gave him a deep understanding of the mechanical challenges that define the industry. He soon began developing and distributing ergonomic wheel handling tools, jacks and battery service equipment, laying the foundation for TechnoMarketing Group.

In 2002, he launched the in-house Winntec brand. Two years later, he became the official distributor for CTEK, the Swedish smart battery charging company. Since then, he’s sold over one million battery chargers, anchoring the company’s reputation for innovation and reliability.

THE MOBILE SHIFT

While wheel lifts and chargers kept the company growing, Dubbeldam had his sights on a much larger transformation – mobile tyre service.

He noticed cultural shifts around car ownership, particularly among younger generations. A pivotal moment came in 2016 at the Automechanika show in Frankfurt, when a major German online tyre reseller approached him with a challenge, which was to create compact, climate-proof mobile service vans that operators could work inside year-round.

“Winter in Munich isn’t kind to tyre installers. The equipment they needed didn’t exist, so I sat down with my engineers and we built it ourselves,” he noted.

The result was ecube, a battery-driven, lightweight, emission-free power unit designed specifically for mobile service vans. That pilot project marked the start of TechnoMarketing Group’s mobile era and the brand’s global acceleration.

The company’s equipment is now used in mobile fleets across South Korea, Japan, Germany, the United States and the Middle East. Its reach expanded rapidly following a deal with Rivian in 2021, when the electric vehicle manufacturer began equipping its mobile service vans with TechnoMarketing Group’s technology.

“Rivian didn’t have a dealership network. So mobile service was their only option. They now have over 350 vehicles on the road using our equipment,” Dubbeldam explains.

Another turning point came in 2023 when Mercedes-Benz, after years of internal resistance, committed to rolling out a global fleet of mobile service vans. Its initial focus is on light services like inspections and battery maintenance but tyre service is next.

“It’s a strong signal that if a brand like Mercedes goes mobile, the rest of the market will follow,” Dubbeldam explains.

TechnoMarketing Group is also working with Pirelli Driver, Euromaster and Vergölst, a Continental-owned tyre service provider, in Germany. In Japan, it has partnered with Nitta Tire, and in the US, it sells thousands of air bottle jacks to fleets service providers through its distribution partner Gaither Tool in Illinois.

ENGINEERING FOR THE REAL WORLD

Mobile tyre service isn’t just about putting workshop equipment in the back of a van. It requires purpose-built solutions that can withstand extreme conditions, whether it’s subzero winters in Seoul or 90 percent humidity in Singapore.

“Traditional balancers weren’t designed to sit in a van baking at 40 degrees Celsius or rattling over cobblestones. “Metal shafts expand and contract. Rust is inevitable. Accuracy degrades,” Dubbeldam points out.

In Singapore, one TechnoMarketing customer services luxury sedans in underground parking lots. In Dubai, operators work night shifts to avoid the heat. And in North America, trailers are often used to reduce costs.

“These are not ideal conditions. You have to respect the local context. That’s what drives our design philosophy,” he said.

THE WEIGHT PROBLEM

One of the biggest constraints in designing mobile service vans is weight. In Europe, commercial vehicles are limited to 3,500 kilogrammes. A fully equipped van with a driver and tools leaves just 800–1,000 kilogrammes for equipment, barely enough for traditional changers and balancers.

Electric vans add another layer of complexity. For instance, the electric Renault Master offers 600 kg less payload than its internal combustion version due to the heavy battery pack.

“That’s why we focus so much on lightweight, compact systems. You don’t have the luxury of space or surplus weight,” says Dubbeldam.

The company’s integrated mobile solution featuring a tyre changer, balancer, compressor and battery box occupies just 1.1 square metres and weighs only 450 kilogrammes.

MARKET GROWTH

According to industry estimates cited by Dubbeldam, the global mobile tyre installation market reached USD 500 million in 2024 and is expected to exceed USD 1.3 billion by 2032, growing at a 10 percent annual rate.

And that’s just tyres. Broader mobile car servicing, from battery replacement to diagnostics, is expected to grow even faster as automakers seek leaner service networks and consumers demand convenience.

“Tesla was the first to really embrace it. But now you see Lucid, Rivian, even newcomers like NIO following the same model,” said Dubbeldam.

Dubbeldam’s success is as much about cultural awareness as it is about engineering. His customers span the globe and he’s quick to note that no two markets behave the same.

“In the UK, I sell thousands of air bottle jacks. In Germany, zero,” he says with a grin. “Why? It’s culture. And you have to respect that.”

He also thrives on the variety. “What drives me are those cultural differences, the diversity of requests. It keeps me curious,” he quips.

Dubbeldam shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to push TechnoMarketing Group into new markets in Asia and Africa and is investing in new emission-free power systems to replace noisy, gasoline-powered generators in mobile fleets.

“The internal combustion generator burns five litres of gasoline an hour. We’ve designed battery-driven alternatives that are clean, quiet and efficient,” he said.

He also sees untapped potential in mobile diagnostics, charging and electric vehicle maintenance. As carmakers move away from dealerships, the demand for mobile solutions will only grow.

“Car maintenance is going to change whether we like it or not. Mobile isn’t a trend anymore. It’s a necessity,” he said.

Gaurav Kumar has resigned as a whole-time director of Apollo Tyres, the Indian tyre manufacturer, after more than two decades with the company, though he will remain chief financial officer during a transition period.

The Gurugram-based company's board approved the resignation at a meeting on Thursday. Kumar steps down as a director, and consequently as a member of the risk management committee, with effect from the close of business the same day. The company said he had confirmed there was no material reason for his departure beyond that stated in his resignation letter.

Kumar will continue as chief financial officer for such period as is necessary to ensure a smooth transition, after which he will cease to be part of the company's senior management.

In his resignation letter, Kumar said: "It has been terrific to be part of the incredible journey at Apollo Tyres thus far. I have learned, and hopefully contributed in equal measure, and now seek to explore alternative and new challenges. I wish Apollo Tyres the very best for the journey ahead and will always be part of the Apollo Tyres Family." He added that he was grateful to Onkar Kanwar and Neeraj Kanwar for their support during his tenure of more than 22 years at the company.

Neeraj Kanwar, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, said: "Gaurav deserves kudos for the critical role he has played in the growth of Apollo Tyres, both in India and overseas, in the last twenty years. While we do regret losing him, we are conscious of his personal aspirations and wish him the very best in his future endeavours."

The company said it was in the process of appointing a new chief financial officer.

Shrader Tire & Oil (STO) has announced the appointment of Bob Feldbauer to the role of President, effective 1 August 2026. He will concurrently serve as Chief Operating Officer, while Joe Shrader maintains his position as Chief Executive Officer.

Feldbauer’s ascent follows his arrival at STO in early 2025 as Chief Operating Officer, a role built upon a robust industry resume. His prior engagements include a lengthy stint at the helm of Jack’s Tire & Oil in Utah and a substantial period with Michelin North America, where he handled sales and managerial assignments.

Under the new structure, Feldbauer’s purview widens to encompass both internal fleet management across 14 sites and outward-facing commercial development, including alliances and market expansion. With the founding family’s fourth generation now active within the firm, the succession plan reinforces the enduring principles established when the company opened in 1948.

Shrader said, “Bob has proven exactly what we hoped he would when we brought him on board – sharp operational instincts and a real drive to help this company grow. Putting him in the President seat lets us move faster on the growth plans we’ve been building towards.”

Feldbauer said, “It has been a fast year and a half at Shrader Tire & Oil. I have gained tremendous insight and valuable knowledge about our organisation’s structure, company culture and an understanding of our overall goals and commitments. One thing is clearly obvious – the commitment Shrader employees have to deliver the best customer experience each and every time. I appreciate this and look forward to supporting them as their President and COO.”

Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has unveiled a brand installation at the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) T2 Elevated Road Underpass as the tyre manufacturer seeks to broaden its positioning beyond its traditional Off-Highway business and strengthen awareness of its expanding on-highway portfolio in India.

The 2,000 sq. ft. installation, inspired by the company's "Elevate Your Drive" philosophy, highlights BKT's portfolio across agriculture, construction, mining, earthmoving, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and passenger vehicles. The activation comes as the company expands its presence in India's two-wheeler and commercial vehicle tyre segments.

Designed to move beyond conventional outdoor advertising, the installation features nine illuminated tyre-shaped displays, each 8 feet in diameter, using the tyre itself as the central storytelling element. It opens with a large-format visual featuring BKT brand ambassador Ranveer Singh, followed by a sequence of displays illustrating the company's expanding mobility portfolio. The installation will remain at the airport for 24 months.

Mumbai International Airport handled a record 55.5 million passengers in 2025, providing the company with sustained visibility among business travellers and consumers.

"For BKT, innovation goes beyond product engineering; it extends to how we tell our story. This installation reflects a simple yet powerful idea: our tyre itself becomes the medium through which travellers experience the breadth of BKT's world. As we expand our presence across India's mobility landscape, it is important that consumers see BKT not through a single product category, but as a brand that supports movement across diverse terrains, applications and journeys. Mumbai Airport provides an ideal stage for us to express that transformation in a memorable and distinctive way," said Satish Sharma, Senior President & Director – Business Development and Strategy, BKT.

The installation was conceptualised by Infectious Advertising and uses immersive design, sequential storytelling and its airport location to showcase the company's wider mobility portfolio. According to BKT, the activation is intended to connect its established Off-Highway business with its growing presence in India's on-highway mobility market.

Mumbai-headquartered leading carbon black manufacturer Epsilon Carbon has reported a 10 percent reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions across its upstream transportation operations during FY2025–26. The reduction was achieved through the deployment of an electric and liquefied natural gas freight fleet.

An independent third party certified the emissions data. The reductions achieved in transport logistics equate to carbon absorption figures associated with approximately 29,000 trees. The verified figures allow supply chain partners to include these reductions within Scope 3 emissions reporting frameworks and environmental disclosures.

Gaurav Mathur, Chief Executive Officer, Epsilon Carbon, said, “Decarbonising logistics is central to our climate strategy. What makes this milestone meaningful is that the results are independently verified with a 10 percent reduction in CO2e emissions within the upstream transportation category over a single financial year, driven by the adoption of electric and LNG fleets. These carbon reductions strengthen our own sustainability disclosures and those of our customers, and we intend to scale this model across our supply chain.”

Following Phase 1 operations, Epsilon Carbon intends to expand the number of electric and LNG vehicles in its transport fleet during FY 2026–27 to scale low-carbon freight transport across its supply chain network.