Winners in the First Two Categories

The MSIA recognises excellence in three categories: Accessible Mobility, Safe Mobility, and Smart Mobility. This year, however, no project met the criteria for the Smart Mobility category.

The winners in the first two categories were:

• Mobility for Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups:

• First Place: KAM Foundation from Pune for their initiative 'Sustainable livelihood in sanitation.'

• First Runner-Up: Kranti Shirur from Pune for their initiative 'Empowering marginalised women and girls.'

• Second Runner-Up: Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (CEFHA) Trust from Visakhapatnam for their project 'Empowering Adivasi Women through Mobility Skills.'

• Increased Access to Resources:

• First Place: Anchalik Jana Seva Anusthan (AJSA) from Chandotara for their initiative 'Green Express.'

Special Jury Recommendations

Two projects received special jury recommendations for their outstanding work:

• Tata Steel Foundation for their project 'Masti Ki Pathshala.'
• Association of People with Disability from Bangalore for their project 'Rehab on Wheels (ROW).'

Jury Members and Award Ceremony

The jury comprised experts from various fields, including academia and industry. Dignitaries from corporations, NGOs and the government attended the awards ceremony.

Dr Lina Kashyap, Professor Emeritus and past Deputy Director of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, was the chief guest at the event.

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Bridgestone Corporation has announced a significant advancement in environmental research with the development of an industry-first vehicle collection method for tyre and road wear particles (TRWP) specifically from truck and bus tyres. This innovation is designed to enhance scientific understanding of how such particles may interact with the environment. Tyre and road wear particles are generated through the friction between a tyre’s tread and the road surface – a process essential for vehicle safety and comfort – and consist of a combination of worn tyre material and fragments of road pavement. The newly developed collection method for trucks and buses was also showcased at the Tire Technology Expo 2026, held from 3 to 5 March in Hannover, Germany.

The company had previously introduced a collection method for passenger car tyres in 2025 and has since been working to improve its efficiency. Applying insights gained from that earlier development, particularly regarding how particles are generated and dispersed, Bridgestone created a proprietary system tailored to the larger scale of truck and bus tyres. To ensure the accuracy of the collected samples, the company used a dedicated proving ground designed to replicate real-world driving conditions. Before each test, the track was meticulously cleaned to prevent contamination from pre-existing debris.

For the collection process, Bridgestone engineered suction devices and intake mechanisms compatible with larger tyres. A sturdy aluminium frame was used to construct the tyre cover, ensuring durability against strong winds during operation. Following controlled driving sessions, particles that remained both on the track surface and inside the tyre cover were gathered for analysis.

This effort is part of a broader commitment to investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of tyre wear particles and their potential environmental effects. Bridgestone participates in the Tire Industry Project (TIP) facilitated by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and collaborates with external research organisations and corporate partners. With the ability to collect samples from both passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks and buses, the company aims to accelerate research, share findings widely and support efforts to reduce particle generation.

Alongside this research, Bridgestone is advancing several complementary initiatives. These include developing longer-lasting tyres with improved wear resistance, offering solutions that help customers lower total operating costs and working to minimise environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.

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UTAC, a prominent player in the automotive testing, inspection and certification sector, is significantly broadening its footprint in China. The company has unveiled plans for a cutting-edge proving ground in Huainan, situated in the central province of Anhui. This ambitious project is being developed through a collaboration with the Huainan City Government and is set to become the primary strategic hub for the UTAC Group’s operations within the country. By establishing this facility, UTAC aims to bolster the mobility industry with top-tier testing capabilities and specialised knowledge.

The new site will enable UTAC’s team of specialists to offer homologation and testing services that align with the most current international benchmarks and regulatory standards. This initiative is a direct continuation of the group’s overarching goal to foster a mobility landscape that is both safer and more environmentally friendly. The Huainan facility is designed to be comprehensive, featuring a variety of specialised tracks for vehicle testing, along with a technology park that includes rentable workshops and office spaces. It will also house a dedicated conference and exhibition centre and purpose-built laboratories outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment. These labs will be specifically geared towards testing the latest advancements in new energy vehicles.

Anhui province itself provides a rich environment for such an investment. Home to 70 million people, it hosts a dense and extensive mobility ecosystem. Major automotive manufacturers like BYD, Changan, Chery, JAC, NIO and Volkswagen, together with their extensive supply networks, are deeply embedded in the region. The province’s manufacturing prowess is underscored by its production of roughly 3.7 million vehicles in 2023, a figure that positions Anhui as China’s leader in overall vehicle manufacturing, new-energy vehicle production and vehicle exports. Consequently, the new proving ground in Huainan is poised to become a vital strategic component for UTAC, solidifying its presence in this central hub of the Chinese mobility industry.

Connor McCormack, CEO, UTAC, said, " We are extremely proud of our partnership with the city of Huainan, which is undergoing a significant transformation to support the future of the automotive industry. UTAC is delighted to contribute to this transformation and to bring our 100 years of specialist expertise, along with the European standards we have helped shape and validate, to China’s vital automotive sector.”

Mayor Zhang Zhiqiang of Huainan City said, “This represents a significant milestone in Huainan's efforts to accelerate the development of its intelligent connected vehicle industry. It is of great importance in bridging the critical gap in the regional automotive sector’s industrial chain of ‘testing-production-export' and establishing a specialised vehicle testing and certification platform with international recognition. The successful cooperation on this project will undoubtedly advance the high-end and intelligent transformation of the regional automotive industry, providing strong impetus for Anhui Province's efforts to foster a new energy vehicle industrial cluster with international competitiveness.”

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DUNLOP Tyre Europe GmbH (DUNLOP) is preparing to introduce its latest innovation, the BLUE RESPONSE TG, an all-new summer tyre engineered to advance safety, efficiency and driving dynamics. This model marks a significant milestone as the first DUNLOP summer tyre developed by Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) and will make its official debut this weekend at the Circuito de Sevilla in Spain. The 4.2-kilometre track, known for its 16 corners and lengthy 822-metre straight, provides a demanding environment ideal for showcasing the tyre’s capabilities. Under the theme ‘the art of perfect balance’, the BLUE RESPONSE TG will undergo rigorous evaluation on the Spanish circuit to demonstrate its well-rounded performance.

A dynamic launch event has been arranged to give 120 attendees, including customers, journalists and influencers, a firsthand look at the tyre’s abilities across multiple conditions. Participants will engage in slalom exercises on both dry and wet surfaces, while braking and obstacle avoidance drills will highlight stopping power and responsiveness. Handling assessments will allow for direct comparison with rival products, focusing on cornering stability and steering accuracy. Additional tests will examine comfort and noise levels, emphasising rolling smoothness and sound reduction, as well as efficiency, showcasing lower rolling resistance and reduced fuel consumption. The experience will be complemented by guided road drives and track laps, offering a thorough perspective on the tyre’s dynamic qualities.

To illustrate the versatility of the BLUE RESPONSE TG, the test fleet includes a diverse selection of modern vehicles. Among them are the Audi e-tron, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz EQE, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Toyota GR Yaris and Nissan GT-R R35, spanning from premium electric cars to high-performance sports machines. Developed specifically for contemporary vehicle platforms, the tyre integrates an advanced tread design, a novel rubber compound and a reinforced construction. These elements work together to deliver precise handling, short braking distances, strong wet grip and low rolling resistance, catering to drivers seeking safety, comfort and stability in both routine travel and more demanding scenarios.

Markus Bögner, President and Managing Director, DUNLOP Tyre Europe, said, “This is our first DUNLOP event since the acquisition, which is precisely why the launch of our summer tyre is so important to us. Direct interaction with customers and the media here on site is crucial for us, as it is the only way we can hear their perspectives and continue to develop in a targeted manner.”

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Vittoria has unveiled the next generation of its Air-Liner Light Road, an ultralight tubeless insert refined to satisfy the rigorous demands of contemporary road cycling. Building upon its predecessor, this iteration features a completely overhauled material composition and a novel manufacturing technique that elevates performance, simplifies setup and enhances dependability, all while maintaining its featherlight profile.

Engineered with input from WorldTour professionals, the Air-Liner Light Road delivers puncture support, steadfast bead security and consistent rim defence without diminishing ride quality. The pivotal advancement lies in the transition to an extrusion process. This shift produces a structure with more uniform closed cells and a smoother exterior.

The new material significantly minimises sealant absorption, permitting the use of up to 10 percent less sealant. For optimal protection, it is advised to add 10 ml more than a standard tubeless setup. In the event of a flat, the enhanced run-flat capability delivers a ride comparable to approximately 14.5 psi, allowing a rider to continue for up to 50 kilometres.

Installation is more effortless, as reduced internal friction helps the insert settle perfectly. It also diminishes the likelihood of tyre burping by 28 percent at lower pressures compared to setups without an insert. Remarkably, these enhancements are achieved without any weight penalty, with each unit ranging from 30 to 40 grammes.

Functioning as a dynamic component, the insert expands upon air loss to facilitate run-flat mode. Beyond emergency support, it empowers riders to safely utilise lower pressures for heightened grip and comfort, effectively absorbing shocks from rough pavement.

Having been tested by Vittoria's professional teams, the Air-Liner Light Road is already a staple for many riders. To ensure a perfect match, Vittoria has printed tyre width compatibility directly on the insert. This new model completes the Air-Liner range, providing a dedicated solution for every discipline. With cyclists prioritising precise pressures for optimal performance, this insert answers the call for greater safety and reliability, extending benefits beyond the competitive peloton. Each insert comes supplied with a Vittoria Multiway Tubeless valve.

Stijn Vriends, Chairman & CEO, Vittoria, said, “At Vittoria, our objective is to elevate every cyclist’s ride. With our new generation of Air-Liner for road, we complete our vision of total tyre system performance across every terrain. From the WorldTour to everyday riders, from smooth asphalt to rough gravel sections, we give cyclists the confidence to ride faster, further and with complete peace of mind – because performance should never stop when the road gets tough!”

Andreas Klier, Technical Operations and Commercial Manager, EF Education-EasyPost, said, “The new Air-Liner Light Road is a real gamechanger. In races like the Northern Classics, it gives us greater control and confidence on rough roads and pavé, letting us ride at lower pressures without compromising performance or safety.”

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