Webfleet, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution, has launched its new flagship Driver Terminal, the PRO X, designed specifically for truck and van fleets.

By providing direct tablet access to Webfleet fleet management services, the PRO X links drivers and companies to streamline work administration. Fleets can utilise a variety of sophisticated Webfleet features, such as workflow management, electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) and two-way communication between drivers and fleet managers thanks to the pre-installed Webfleet Work App. They can also access other Webfleet services, such as Cold Chain, Remaining Drive Times and OptiDrive ranking, which allows drivers to view peer performance.

Van and truck fleets may enjoy the best-in-class professional navigation with the newest technology, like smart warnings for traffic or low-emission zones, major points of interest for trucks and EVs and live ETA reporting, with easy access to TomTom GO Fleet.  Additionally, when paired with OptiDrive, the motorist gets immediate feedback to help them drive better. Pre-installing maps is now simple, and they are updated automatically every month. With its wide anti-glare screen, sturdy construction, detachable battery and user-friendly controls for instant access to essential programmes, the new high-performance Driver Terminal helps professional drivers both in-cabin and on-site.

With an integrated Mobile Device Management (MDM) system that enables fully remote management of the devices' home screen, app auto-start and other features, it is configured for a quick roll-out in the field and can be tailored to fit various corporate demands. Because it is Android Enterprise Recommended and integrates Webfleet's and TomTom's expertise in sophisticated navigation, devices may be more rapidly customised to meet user demands. Beginning in March 2025, the PRO X will be sold in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, with other territories to follow later this year.

Annick Renoux, Vice President, Webfleet Europe, said, “At Webfleet, we are always committed to delivering smart solutions that enhance the working conditions and safety of our customers and their drivers, powered by the latest technology. That’s why we are proud to introduce the new PRO X – now with even more functionality to help fleet managers streamline their operations, boost efficiency and strengthen their connection with field teams like never before.”

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Anyline is displaying its AI-powered TireBuddy platform at the 2026 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas (from 3–6 February), demonstrating how it brings objective, digital tyre inspections to automotive retailers. The technology, which standardises tread depth and condition assessments, is used by dealerships, reconditioning centres and independent shops to enhance operational consistency and customer transparency. At Booth 7649N, live demonstrations will show the system’s guided scanning and intuitive workflow, which technicians have adopted for its ability to generate clear, data-backed reports directly in the service bay.

A key adopter includes EchoPark, a national pre-owned vehicle retailer under Sonic Automotive, Inc., which utilises TireBuddy as part of its rigorous 190-point vehicle inspection process across multiple states. The platform provides repeatable measurements that strengthen technical recommendations and build buyer confidence by turning subjective checks into documented insights. Since its 2025 launch, the tool has been implemented by large-scale automotive groups seeking to improve decision-making and efficiency.

Anyline’s exhibition will focus on these real-world applications, showing how digitising tyre inspections creates a more transparent and trustworthy service experience. By replacing visual estimates with precise digital data, TireBuddy helps businesses streamline workflows, empower technicians and ultimately support safer, more reliable vehicle assessments for customers.

Christoph Braunsberger, CEO, Anyline, said, “Our goal with TireBuddy is to equip technicians with the tools they need to make accurate, fast and confident decisions, an important message we’re bringing to the forefront at this year’s NADA Show. By providing objective, AI-powered data, TireBuddy delivers a far clearer path to cost savings, operational efficiency and customer transparency for retailers – benefits that matter at every level of their operation.”

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As urban areas around the world grow increasingly louder, traffic noise has emerged as a critical environmental and public health challenge. Recognised by health authorities as a major risk factor, this pervasive issue extends from European cities to megacities across Asia and Latin America. Continental is addressing this problem by pioneering tyre technologies that significantly reduce rolling noise, thereby contributing to quieter urban environments and enhanced in-vehicle comfort.

The transition to electric mobility has brought tyre noise into sharper focus. With the near-silent operation of electric motors replacing traditional engine sounds, the acoustic contribution from tyres becomes far more prominent, even at moderate city driving speeds. In response, Continental engineers have developed specialised solutions that target noise generation without compromising the safety, durability or performance of the tyre.

One such innovation is the Silent Pattern tread design, featured on models like the EcoContact 7. This technology disrupts the conventional, uniform arrangement of tread blocks that typically creates a rhythmic humming sound on pavement. By intelligently varying the spacing and angles of these blocks, the pattern breaks up this acoustic consistency. Furthermore, it is tuned to cancel out specific sound frequencies, akin to the principle behind noise-cancelling headphones. This results in a measurable reduction of traffic noise at speeds around 50 kmph, where rolling noise is most perceptible to pedestrians and residents.

For reducing noise inside the vehicle cabin, Continental employs its ContiSilent technology. This involves lining the inside of the tyre with a lightweight polyurethane foam that absorbs vibrations caused by the tyre’s contact with the road. By dampening these air vibrations, the technology can cut perceived in-cabin rolling noise by up to nine decibels – a reduction the human ear experiences as nearly halving the volume. This substantial increase in acoustic comfort is integrated into various product lines, including high-performance summer tyres, without affecting driving dynamics or efficiency.

The company’s commitment to low-noise mobility spans multiple vehicle segments. From the Conti Urban NXT for city buses to passenger car tyres like the EcoContact 6 Q and van tyres such as the VanContact A/S Eco, these products are designed to meet stringent noise standards. Consumers can readily identify these quieter options through regulatory labels, like the EU tyre label, which provides clear decibel ratings for external rolling noise. Through these continuous advancements in tread design and sound-dampening materials, Continental is systematically working to diminish the acoustic footprint of road traffic.

According to Achillefs Tsotras, head of Continental’s Tyre-Vehicle Interaction department, “Noise, especially traffic noise from cars, buses and delivery vehicles, is a major burden for people and the environment. With tyre technologies like ContiSilent and innovative tread designs, we are actively reducing rolling noise without compromising safety. This makes every ride noticeably quieter, benefiting drivers, pedestrians, residents and the environment alike.”

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SemiCab, a subsidiary of Algorhythm Holdings, has secured a significant expansion to its existing Master Services Agreement with Apollo Tyres Ltd., a prominent global tyre manufacturer. Apollo Tyres, which serves major international markets and reports annual sales exceeding USD 5 billion, ranks among the world’s top 10 tyre producers. This enhanced partnership, building upon a commercial pilot initiated in September 2024, will see SemiCab manage freight transportation across 20 high-density corridors in India while increasing shipment frequency throughout a broader service region.

The expansion is projected to contribute up to USD 2.5 million in yearly revenue for SemiCab. The company delivers these managed services through its AI-driven Collaborative Transportation Platform, a cloud-based system engineered to lower logistics expenses, boost delivery precision and minimise empty truck miles. This technology offers complete live tracking and enhances network visibility without disrupting existing business processes. It seamlessly integrates with current transportation management software to automate tasks like ordering and invoicing and employs platform bots to gather data and handle routine operations. The system actively identifies and facilitates real-time collaboration between shippers and carriers to optimise efficiency.

Ajesh Kapoor, CEO of SemiCab Holdings, LLC, commented, “We are pleased to be a partner to such a prestigious multi-national company like Apollo Tyres, which is a globally recognised leader in the tyre industry. This new expansion of our existing relationship opens the door to immense growth opportunities for us. By leveraging our AI-powered platform, we are highly confident in our ability to drive significant cost efficiencies and delivery strong performance improvements for Apollo across much of India. This partnership represents a major step forward in our mission to revolutionise freight logistics in India, and we are excited about the growth it can drive for both of our businesses.”

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Dunlop will present its proprietary SENSING CORE technology at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas coming January. The prominent global trade event, scheduled for 6–9 January 2026, will serve as the platform for Dunlop to highlight the system's role in advancing safety for future autonomous mobility.

Central to the booth will be a display focused on evolving SENSING CORE into a broader technology platform. This exhibit will detail collaborative technical verifications with T2 Inc., a firm developing hub-to-hub autonomous trucking services. It will also feature integrated fleet service demonstrations combining the sensing technology with AI solutions from Viaduct, Inc., a US-based company acquired by Sumitomo Rubber in August 2025. The company plans to leverage this acquisition from 2026 to efficiently expand predictive maintenance services for fleet operators globally, including in Japan and European markets.

Further exhibit segments will immerse visitors in six future mobility scenarios, spanning logistics, public transportation and infrastructure. The company positions SENSING CORE as a foundational technology for safer autonomous driving, capable of gathering critical data on tyre and road surface conditions. This information is intended not only for direct vehicle control but also for cloud-based integration with broader societal data streams. Ongoing development efforts are aimed at supporting the realisation of a safer and more advanced mobility experience for all.

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