Michelin’s start-up, AirCaptif, in partnership with Dassault, unveiled its latest brain-child, the FALCON 6X aircraft range. AirCaptif is a specialist in ultralight, inflatable structures.

According to Michelin, as part of its growth plan, AirCaptif announced Michelin’s facility in Bourges Saint-Doulchard – in the heart of one of France’s aeronautical and defense ecosystems – as the centre for the industrial production of this technology. In addition, the company states that it plans to double its activity on the site, starting in 2023, and invest in the recruitment of new talent. In fact, as part of its expansion, AirCaptif is budgeting to double its turnover, starting in 2023, and hire some thirty skilled professionals in France’s Yvelines department, to the west of Paris. The company is currently hiring for its existing facility in Trappes and its future extension in Elancourt, planned to be operational in January 2023, as per Michelin. AirCaptif’s solutions are soon to be in industrial-scale production in Michelin’s facility in Bourges, the tyre company claims.

Michelin also states that prior to being commissioned, such aircrafts are required to perform extremely demanding certification trials. One of the tests checks the reliability of the aircraft cabin’s lightning resistance. This test, High Intensity Radiated Field (HIRF), is mandatory for the plane to be compliant with the electromagnetic standards from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

In these certification trials for such aircrafts, Dassault verifies the resistance of critical systems (flight commands and calculations) to electromagnetic interference. Whereas the classic trial method requires two weeks of tests for the FALCON 6X, AirCaptif reduces this time to just three days, at a much reduced cost, according to Michelin.

Michelin states that the innovation comprises three elements – 

1. A huge eight-metre-high inflatable Faraday cage, with a 900-sq mt footprint.
2. An inflatable mechanical mixer placed alongside the aircraft to mix the electromagnetic waves.
3. A system of inflatable coaxial insulation to provide an earth connection for the lightning strike.

Furthermore, as per the multinational tyre manufacturing company, the AirCaptif technology has several advantages. With its super light structure being easily transportable and capable of being installed directly in the aircraft’s assembly hangar, investment costs and trial time are significantly reduced. Moreover, the speed of installation is a real plus, states Michelin. Whereas it takes two years to build a conventional Faraday cage, this solution is operational in a single day.

Besides, future developments for the Trappes-based company involve enlarging the Bourges facility and starting industrial production early in 2024. According to Michelin, the choice of Michelin’s aeronautic site, celebrating 70 years of pioneering activity in the sector, will enable AirCaptif to take full advantage of the region’s aeronautic and defense ecosystem, and continue the group’s industrial experience. In addition, the geographic location of Bourges, situated midway between the technical teams in Trappes and Michelin’s R&D facility in Clermont-Ferrand, will further strengthen the existing synergies.

Sharing her views, Maude Portigliatti, Business Director – High Technology Materials, Michelin, and member of the Group’s executive committee, says, “The growth in AirCaptif’s activities is the result of the company’s extraordinary ability to innovate, and the partnership with Dassault is a shining example. AirCaptif, with the relevance of its technical solutions, is yet another example of Michelin’s savoir-faire in the use of leading-edge technological innovation and the strategic ambitions of the Group beyond the world of tyres.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has been officially recognised as a DX Certified Business Operator by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The designation, which was granted on 1 September 2025, identifies companies that are thoroughly prepared for digital transformation as outlined by the Digital Governance Code.

This certification acknowledges Yokohama Rubber's comprehensive strategy for digital transformation, which is built on three core objectives: advancing business strategy, contributing to sustainability and reinforcing its IT infrastructure. Central to this effort is the company's proprietary AI framework, HAICoLab (Humans and AI ColLaborate), which drives group-wide digital initiatives. These include improving productivity, innovating processes, developing digital talent and building a global cloud-based IT system. The certification confirms that the company's efforts not only meet METI's stringent criteria but also demonstrate appropriate disclosure of information to its stakeholders.

Moving forward, the company said it will continue to leverage data from its entire value chain to adapt to a dynamic business environment. The company aims to enhance customer value, pursue sustainable innovation and transform its corporate culture to strengthen its competitive position and ensure long-term growth.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

TyresNmore, the automotive aftermarket e-commerce platform owned by RPG Group, has promoted Rakesh Tatikonda to Chief Executive Officer and announced the change with immediate effect.

Tatikonda, who previously oversaw business operations at the Mumbai-based firm, will spearhead the organisation’s expansion and innovation strategy. The appointment advances RPG Group’s ‘Talent First!’ policy, which rewards internal promotions and develops employees.

The new chief executive brings over 15 years of industry experience, having worked across multiple sectors with companies such as telecommunications giant Reliance Jio and IT services provider Infosys. Before joining TyresNmore in 2022, Tatikonda held senior positions at tyre manufacturer CEAT, where he developed expertise in strategy, operations, marketing and digital transformation.

“My aim is to transform automotive aftercare in India by offering seamless, tech-driven, end-to-end mobility solutions delivered with trust, transparency, and convenience right at the customer’s doorstep,” Tatikonda said in a statement.

TyresNmore operates a doorstep service model for tyre and battery replacement across six major Indian cities: Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. The platform represents RPG Group’s entry into the growing automotive aftermarket sector, which has seen increased digitisation as consumers seek convenient maintenance solutions.

During his tenure in operations, Tatikonda scaled the business and improved profitability while driving digital transformation initiatives. His track record shows he strengthened operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience in the mobility convenience sector.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Vaculug, Europe’s largest independent retreader producing high-quality OTR and truck retread tyres for fleets across the UK and Europe, has expanded its UK presence by acquiring Tyrefair in Kinross, Scotland.

This strategic acquisition extends the company's award-winning service further north, ensuring Scottish customers receive the same high-quality OTR and truck retread tyres Vaculug has supplied for 75 years. Since the purchase, the Kinross location has already grown by 25 percent, with an ambitious target to double its business within a year and then double it again.

This move is a key part of Vaculug's 2026 growth strategy, focused on strategic acquisitions that enable better, faster and more sustainable customer service. The acquisition reinforces Vaculug’s long-standing environmental mission, marking a new chapter of sustainable growth with a strengthened Scottish operation.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Nokian Tyres is expanding its US presence through a new nationwide partnership with American Tire Distributors (ATD). This agreement provides Nokian access to ATD’s vast network of over 110 distribution centres, serving roughly 80,000 customers.

The collaboration will efficiently supply tyre shops with Nokian’s complete product lineup, enabling dealers to broaden their inventory. Both companies bring 90 years of experience and a shared dedication to innovation, safety and sustainability. This partnership will offer drivers more choices, supported by Nokian’s award-winning Tennessee factory and ATD’s technology-driven logistics.

This enhanced distribution capability ensures that consumers will have greater access to a full spectrum of high-performance tyres, meeting diverse driving needs and conditions. The alliance strengthens both brands' market positions by combining premium products with an unparalleled delivery system, ultimately improving service for dealers and drivers alike across the country.

Chris Ostrander, SVP, North America, Nokian Tyres, said, “The partnership with ATD enables us to reach more tyre shops and more drivers than ever before. ATD’s robust distribution network, customer service and responsiveness strengthen our agility to serve both new and existing customers.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!