Until 1989, the IAA featured both passenger cars and commercial vehicles in one show that was held at the exhibition site in Frankfurt. Following a recent slump in visitor and exhibitor numbers, organisers VDA decided not to renew the contract with Messe Frankfurt and moved the show out of Frankfurt.

In March 2020, a decision was made to host the event in Munich due to it being home to manufacturers like BMW and several other tech companies like Apple and Google. The organisers also received support from the Greens-led city council and Bavarian state government to host the show. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the show was postponed from 2020 to 2021.

Finally, the show was held from 7-12 September 2021 in Munich. The move to Munich worked wonders for the organisers, as the 2021 edition of IAA Mobility witnessed over 400,000 participants from 95 countries, along with an international media reach of 137 billion. The show featured around 744 exhibitors and 936 speakers from 32 countries presenting their views and innovations.

Talking about the show's success, Hildegard Müller, President, German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), said, "We took a courageous step and were rewarded by the visitors. A total of 400,000 participants in only six days is a clear case of 'voting with their feet’. The visitors were evidently very interested in and delighted by the whole experience. The IAA MOBILITY is now the largest mobility event in the world. New electric cars, bicycles, e-scooters, energy policies and urban planning, digitisation and more – here in Munich, we presented and discussed what needs to be thought together in the future. At the IAA MOBILITY Conference, we also experienced lively discussions on the path to new mobility. The exhibitors unveiled more than 100 premieres of their latest models and concepts, underscoring the fact that the transformation of mobility is being driven forward toward climate neutrality and digitisation."

The 2021 edition of IAA Mobility was focused around 'What will move us next?'. Exhibitors presented their innovations focussing on automation, connectivity and sustainability. Below we will discuss the innovations displayed by Michelin and Continental and talk about the other significant exhibits from the show.

Continental:

It was a busy IAA Mobility 2021 for Continental. The company showcased a slew of innovations ranging from sustainable tyre to autonomous vehicle concept. All concepts showcased were categorised under the tagline 'Safe, Connected, Convenient and Driving the Future of Mobility for 150 years'.

The first concept showcased was the Conti GreenConcept. This sustainable tyre concept has been developed by Continental's development engineers and material experts to set new standards in integrated sustainability. The concept tyre consists of an exceptionally high proportion of traceable renewable and recycled materials. It is based on innovative and resource-saving lightweight technology that ensures an extended service life.

Conti GreenConcept tyre is made up of 35 percent renewable raw materials and 17 percent recycled materials. The use of organic materials like natural rubber from dandelions, silicate from the ashes of rice husks and various vegetable oils and resins help significantly in reducing the use of crude oil-based materials. In addition to using processed steel and carbon black, Continental is using recycled PET bottles in the casing of the tyre for the first time as part of its Contyre.Tex technology rollout.

Another advantage of the Conti GreenConcept’s lightweight design is significant reduction in rolling resistance helping improve EV range by up to six percent. According to an analysis by Continental, the rolling resistance of Conti GreenConcept is around 25 percent lower than any tyre with Class A rolling resistance. In addition, the Conti GreenConcept’s renewable tread can be replaced repeatedly with little effort. This tread concept significantly improves resource conservation along with improving the service life of the tyre.

Conti GreenConcept tyre also features COKOON – a technology for the eco-friendly bonding of textile reinforcements with rubber compounds developed by Continental in partnership with Kordsa.

Talking about the Conti GreenConcept tyres, Nikolai Setzer, CEO, Continental, said, "The cars of the future will still need tyres, which we are making more and more sustainable, as our concept tyre shows. The Conti GreenConcept demonstrates how Continental will completely convert its global tyre production to use sustainable materials by 2050 at the latest. This underlines our goal of being the most advanced tyre company along the entire value chain by 2030 in terms of social needs as well as our ecological and economic footprint. Step by step, our solutions and technologies are enhancing sustainability and climate protection on the road."

Continental also showcased its vision of an autonomous, connected future with the AMBIENC3 car interiors concept alongside the sustainable tyre concept. A combination of 'Ambience' and '3^rd space', the AMBIENC3 concept combines driving, working and relaxing in one interior.

The interior concept features the Ac2ated sound system, offering immersive audio without speakers and the ProViu360 driver assistance system, which gives the driver much better situational awareness thanks to a camera surround system. Other exciting interior features include intelligent glass control with adjustable dimming and heating functions, a built-in solar charger with photovoltaic cell and the eTravel companion software that provides the driver with tips and recommendations relating to the route, refuelling and the condition of the vehicle.

Michelin:

While Continental stayed inside, Michelin took to the streets to showcase its airless tyre solution. Equipped on a Mini Electric, the Unique Puncture-Proof Tyre System (UPTIS) made its public appearance offering test ride opportunities to certain lucky members of the general public. Announced in 2019, the UPTIS is part of Michelin's sustainable development model, the Vision concept. The UPTIS features a structure capable of supporting the vehicle while also delivering a safe and comfortableride without air.

Commenting on the UPTIS, Cyrille Roget, Group Technical and Scientific Communications Director, Michelin, said, "The truly distinctive structure of the Michelin UPTIS prototype, or its 'weirdness' as we have often heard it called, really attracted the attention of many visitors and left a lasting impression on them. It was an exceptional experience for us, and our greatest satisfaction came at the end of the demonstration when our passengers, who were admittedly a little wary at first, said they felt no difference compared with conventional tyres."

Along with the public display of the UPTIS, Michelin also showcased its first competition tyre constructed using 46 percent sustainable materials. These products align with Michelin's ambition to use 100 percent sustainable material in its tyres by 2050.

In addition to the tyre showcase, Michelin also ran an awareness campaign encouraging people to recycle waste and highlight the company's sustainability plans. Six teams were tasked to collect enough plastic to produce 100 tyres. The company has plans to utilise these PET bottles and yoghurt cups to produce and launch its first sustainable tyre latest by 2024. As part of its awareness campaign, Michelin also revealed a recipe for creating sustainable tyres using green waste and plastic waste.

Other launches

Apart from Continental and Michelin, there were many manufacturers and suppliers who showcased their vision of a carbon-neutral future. Some of the highlights include BMW's i Vision CirCular Concept car made from almost 100 percent recycled materials; automated valet parking system jointly developed by Bosch, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, CARIAD, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Continental, Valeo, Kopernikus Automotive and Unikie; driverless robotaxi for 2022 produced in collaboration by Intel and Sixt and multiple in-cabin monitoring systems for cars showcased by Valeo, Bosch and Continental.

Following a challenging phase with the ongoing pandemic, the auto industry has emerged greener and stronger than ever before and the IAA 2021 was an indication of the same. The next IAA Mobility show is scheduled from 5-10 September 2023 and we can expect the auto industry to come up with more intelligent and greener solutions to our mobility problems. (TT)

Michelin, a leading tyre technology company, has launched its first Michelin Experience Store in India, in partnership with Bharat Tyres. The facility spread across 25,000 sqft is located in Adgaon on the Mumbai-Agra highway, Nashik and is Michelin’s largest store in the country.

It is designed not only to provide a premium experience, but also showcases the company’s global legacy through the Michelin Wall. Customers will also be to experience the Heritage Wall that visualise the heritage of both Michelin and its local dealership partner.

The Michelin Experience Store also has a Display Zone that showcases Michelin’s innovations in electric mobility, materials science and environmental responsibility.

The dealership also includes service areas for cars and trucks, PPF coating, precision wheel alignment, advanced balancing services, innovative puncture repair solutions, professional car detailing and a wide array of car accessories. 

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “We are proud to unveil Michelin’s first Experience Centre in India. The sole purpose of this store is to go beyond traditional tyre retail and provide customers an immersive experience of the brand, of our dealer partners and of the technological prowess of our tyre solutions that are safe and sustainable. Nashik, a key hub with growing premium vehicle ownership, is the first of many such centres that will further strengthen our footprint in the western region while providing state-of-the-art experience and services to evolving customers.”

Radar Tyres, the flagship brand of Omni United, has appointed Sami Jauhojärvi, Olympic gold medallist and one of Finland’s most celebrated cross-country skiers, as its official brand ambassador.

Jauhojärvi's sporting excellence – built on resilience, performance and a profound connection with nature – mirrors Radar Tyres' commitment to delivering premium-quality tyres across all seasons and terrains at accessible prices. The brand's comprehensive range includes Summer, All Season, Winter and specialist Ice tyres, designed to meet diverse driving needs with reliable performance.

This collaboration represents a strategic alignment as Radar Tyres expands its European and UK presence. Jauhojärvi will serve as brand ambassador, featuring in marketing campaigns, digital initiatives and local events while sharing his expertise to support Radar Tyres' mission of making high-performance tyres available to all drivers.

G S Sareen, Founder and CEO of Omni United, said, “We’re excited to welcome Sami to the Radar family. Sami’s authenticity, credibility and strong connection with his audience make him an ideal partner for us. He embodies the spirit of perseverance and performance – the same qualities we build into every Radar tyre. As we continue to grow our brand across Europe, partnerships like this play a key role in building deeper connections with consumers. We’re excited to build on this momentum with more such collaborations in the near future.”

Jauhojärvi said, “I am thrilled to represent Radar Tyres, a brand that has a remarkable mission to make premium quality and performance accessible to all and also has deep-rooted values of giving back to society via various initiatives it has undertaken over the years such as supporting breast cancer research. I’m sincerely surprised about the performance and silence of my Radar Tyres and happy to deliver this feedback to all the people.”

Kenda Tires is celebrating Dan ‘The Flying Dutchman’ Vanden Heuvel's nomination to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame's Class of 2025, recognising his legendary 49-year career as both a champion racer and community leader.

Since entering his first race at age 15 in 1977 at Crandon International Raceway, Vanden Heuvel has become one of off-road racing's most respected figures. His aggressive driving style earned him 20+ Pro-Class wins, five Crandon World Championships and a PRO-2 title. As owner of Flying Dutchman Racing, he mentored numerous drivers including his son Mikey, who secured Kenda Tires' historic first PRO-2 victory.

Beyond competition, Vanden Heuvel's greatest impact comes from his tireless community work. He co-founded the Midwest Off-Road Racing Association, created the Short Course Kart Series for young racers and established the MORR Injured Driver Fund with his wife Nancy. His hands-on approach – from building tracks to mentoring drivers – has shaped generations of off-road enthusiasts.

Now as Kenda Tires' Product Display Manager, Vanden Heuvel continues supporting the sport, assisting drivers across multiple series while representing Kenda at events nationwide. His dedication embodies the brand's values of community and passion for motorsports.

The formal induction ceremony will be held on 2 November 2025 in Las Vegas. This honour celebrates not just Vanden Heuvel's remarkable racing achievements but his enduring legacy as an ambassador who has profoundly influenced off-road culture.

Brandon Stotsenburg, VP of Automotive Division, Kenda Tires USA, said, “Dan is more than a legend – he is a mentor, a servant-leader and the beating heart of the off-road community. He helped deliver Kenda’s first PRO championship and still shows up for others every single weekend. We are honoured to have him represent Kenda and even more proud to call him family.”

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has officially opened voting for its 2025–2026 Board of Directors election, with five seats available – four carrying a standard three-year term and one two-year term to fill a vacancy. Nine candidates, including two current board members, are vying for these positions.

The nominees include industry leaders from across the tyre sector: Stephen Callahan of Liberty Tire Recycling (Pittsburgh, PA); Jeff Campbell from Tire Discounters Inc. (Cincinnati, OH); John Evankovich representing Sam’s Club Tire and Battery Centers (Bentonville, AR); Darrel Jackson of Big O Tires (Kernersville, NC); Michael Jacobsen from Purcell Tire Company (Potosi, MO); Al Klinge of Klinge Group (Sherwood, Australia); Brian Laughlin with Technical Rubber Company (Johnstown, OH); Seth Murphree from Travel Centers of America (Anderson, SC) and Jason Rook of Independent Tire Dealers Group (Wimberley, TX).

All TIA members in good standing are eligible to vote either by mail-in ballot or online at the association’s election portal. The voting period runs from 9 July through 1 September 2025, with election materials distributed to primary contacts at qualifying member companies.

Results will be announced in mid-September, and the newly elected directors will be formally installed during TIA’s Annual Membership Meeting on 3 November 2025, in Las Vegas, held in conjunction with the Global Tire Expo/SEMA Show. This election marks a key opportunity for members to shape the association’s leadership and strategic direction for the coming years.