Led by CEO Flavio Farroni, the company has expanded into what he describes as a ‘MegaRide holding’, comprising multiple specialised businesses, each targeting different segments of the automotive technology sector.

“We embrace an unconventional approach to startup building: we invest in organic and gradual growth, which keeps us independent from private funding and allows us to reinvest our revenues into the team and R&D projects fully,” says Farroni, who co-founded the company after conducting tyre research at the university.

FROM ACADEMIA TO INDUSTRY DISRUPTOR

MegaRide’s journey represents a new technology transfer model from academia to industry. Farroni acknowledges that this transition wasn’t without challenges.

“The main leadership challenges we faced along our journey were, first and foremost, gaining acceptance for our role as researcher-entrepreneurs – researchpreneurs – both within academia and in the market. In the beginning, neither was sufficiently advanced to recognise such a new and competitive figure,” Farroni explains.

This ‘researchpreneur’ model has since become central to MegaRide’s competitive advantage. The company maintains close ties with universities and ensures a continuous pipeline of cutting-edge research that feeds into commercial applications.

“Our deep synergy with universities makes research and innovation our core mission. This allows us to explore methodologies and techniques that may not immediately apply to current products but lay the groundwork for future advancements,” explains Aleksandr Sakhnevych, MegaRide’s Chief Technology Officer.

ITALIAN TECH FIRM REVOLUTIONISES TYRE SCIENCE WITH PHYSICS-BASED SIMULATION

In a nondescript business park on the outskirts of Naples, a team of researchers-turned-entrepreneurs is quietly revolutionising how the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers and motorsport teams understand tyre performance. MegaRide, founded by academic researchers from the University of Naples Federico II, has grown from a university spinoff to one of the most innovative players in automotive simulation technology.

The company specialises in physics-based modelling software that predicts tyre behaviour with unprecedented accuracy – crucial information for both racing teams seeking competitive advantages measured in milliseconds and vehicle manufacturers designing safer, more efficient cars for everyday drivers.

THE TECHNOLOGY: DIGITAL TWINS FOR TYRES

These physics-based models simulate how tyres behave under different conditions, predicting temperature changes, grip levels and wear patterns in real time with an accuracy that was previously impossible.

One of its most innovative products, weaRIDE, enables real-time tyre tread wear and chemical degradation simulation. This technology is particularly significant for electric vehicles, whose instant torque delivery creates new challenges for tyre durability.

“We were the first to develop a commercial thermal model for tyres, the first to create a multiphysics Pacejka-based model, and today, we are the first to introduce a wear and degradation model, weaRIDE, internationally awarded for its innovation. We try to be always a step ahead, and scientific research is our ‘secret weapon’,” Farroni says.

Sakhnevych explains that ensuring model accuracy across varied real-world conditions requires a multifaceted approach: “MegaRide ensures the accuracy and reliability of the weaRIDE model through a multifaceted approach. First, there is a continuous effort to enhance the physical fidelity of the model, leveraging a strategic synergy with universities and research institutions.”

He adds, “Additionally, a key focus is placed on improving data processing methodologies. Tyre models often face scrutiny due to the limitations in predictive accuracy, which are strongly influenced by the quality of the calibration data.”

FROM SIMULATION TO MEASUREMENT: THE VESEVO SPINOFF

In 2018, MegaRide expanded its footprint by spinning off VESevo, a company focused on developing innovative testing equipment for tyre materials. VESevo’s flagship product enables non-destructive testing of tyre compounds, providing detailed mechanical property data previously unavailable without destroying the tyre.

Andrea Genovese, CEO of VESevo, explains how the technology has evolved from its motorsport origins: “VESevo is evolving its motorsport-derived technology to enhance industrial applications, leveraging its versatility for real-time quality control in tyre manufacturing. Its non-destructive, non-invasive and rapid-testing capabilities allow each tyre to be analysed directly on the production line.”

This represents a significant shift in quality control for tyre manufacturers. “This innovation enables mechanical property testing to be performed not just on a sample basis but on the entire production, guaranteeing comprehensive quality assessment,” Genovese adds.

However, VESevo has faced regulatory headwinds in motorsport, particularly after the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) introduced rules limiting the use of its technology in Formula 2 and Formula 3.

“Honestly, we were surprised by this regulatory change, as motorsport has always been a driving force in introducing innovations, especially when they enhance performance, spectacle and safety, benefiting all stakeholders involved,” Genovese admits.

Rather than seeing this as a setback, VESevo has focused more on industrial applications. “By broadening our reach into new applications, we are not just navigating these changes, but we are turning them into opportunities to drive innovation forward,” Genovese says.

STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS AND GROWTH

MegaRide has augmented its technological capabilities through strategic acquisitions, including the 2022 purchase of Wriggle Solutions’ intellectual property. This acquisition bolstered MegaRide’s capabilities in real-time tyre wear monitoring.

“The acquisition of Wriggle Solutions’ intellectual property in 2022 has expanded MegaRide’s strategic line, accelerating the transition from purely simulation-based technologies to real-time, onboard vehicle sensing,” Sakhnevych explains.

This move has enabled MegaRide to develop virtual sensors that can estimate previously unmeasurable parameters like vehicle sideslip angle, tyre temperature and tread wear. These capabilities have applications for vehicle performance, safety systems and autonomous driving technologies.

MegaRide has also established key partnerships with major industry players. Its collaboration with Prometeon, an industrial tyre manufacturer, illustrates how the company’s technology is being applied beyond high-performance vehicles to commercial transport.

THE CHALLENGE OF SCALING HIGH-PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY

Transferring technologies developed for the extreme demands of motorsport to mass-market applications presents significant challenges. Sakhnevych outlines several hurdles: “One of the main challenges is cost, as motorsport applications rely on high-end sensors and powerful computing. To make these solutions viable for mass production, MegaRide focuses on leveraging existing vehicle sensors and optimising software to run efficiently on standard ECUs.”

He continues, “Scalability is another hurdle, as consumer vehicles operate in diverse and unpredictable conditions. Ensuring robust performance across various road surfaces and driving styles requires extensive validation and adaptive modelling.”

THE AI QUESTION

As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms industries worldwide, MegaRide maintains a measured approach to incorporating machine learning (ML) into its products. The company’s roots in physics-based modelling inform its perspective on AI’s role in tyre simulation.

“MegaRide leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning while staying true to its roots in physics-based modelling,” Sakhnevych says. “Our background in academic research, particularly in mechanical engineering, has shaped our expertise in model-based approaches."

He distinguishes their approach from purely data-driven methods: “Unlike purely data-driven methods, our approach enables prediction without extensive training datasets – simply by parametrising models using well-established physical principles.”

DATA SECURITY CONCERNS

As vehicles become increasingly connected, handling sensitive data securely becomes increasingly important. MegaRide has developed comprehensive approaches to data security, particularly relevant to its onboard sensing technologies.

“MegaRide addresses data privacy and security concerns in tyre technology through a robust combination of encryption, secure data management protocols and role-based access controls,” Sakhnevych explains.

COMPETITION FROM INDUSTRY GIANTS

As a small company operating in an industry dominated by global corporations, MegaRide faces significant competitive pressures. However, Sakhnevych sees advantages in the company’s nimble structure.

THE FUTURE: EXPANSION AND DIVERSIFICATION

Looking ahead, MegaRide plans to continue expanding through organic growth and the development of new ventures within its holding structure.

“The ‘MegaRide holding’ concept will allow us to diversify our strategies, expanding into various sectors we consider strategic,” Farroni explains.

“MegaRide’s models are increasingly used by OEMs, tyre manufacturers and racing teams, and the technological landscape is moving towards a greater adoption of physics-based models like ours, driven by the growing use of real-time simulations.”

Each company within the holding structure has its strategic direction. “VESevo, originally founded to produce a portable device for motorsport, is now evolving – thanks to key strategic partnerships – into a provider of non-destructive testing solutions and quality control systems for tyres, directly integrated into production lines,” says Farroni. The newest addition, RIDEsense, targets emerging opportunities in vehicle automation. “The increasing onboard computational power of vehicles has led to the creation of a new company, RIDEsense, focused on developing ‘Virtual Sensors’ – real-time algorithms capable of estimating otherwise unmeasurable quantities and providing critical insights for ADAS and autonomous driving systems, which will be pivotal in tackling the mobility challenges of the coming years,” explains Farroni. VESevo’s Genovese describes a similar approach to balancing immediate market needs with long-term innovation: “At VESevo, balancing short-term business goals with long-term research and development is part of our DNA. As an academic spinoff from the University of Naples Federico II and an innovative company, we follow the same path that MegaRide successfully pioneered, transforming cutting-edge research into commercially viable solutions while maintaining a strong focus on technological advancement.”

He elaborates on their dual-track strategy: “In the short term, we focus on delivering market-ready solutions that meet the immediate needs of our customers, particularly in motorsport and industrial applications. By working closely with teams and manufacturers, we ensure our technology provides tangible value and rapid returns, allowing us to sustain growth and reinvest in innovation.”

Meanwhile, the academic connection remains vital: “Our strong ties to the academic world allow us to act as a ‘bridge’ between research and industry. This close connection enables a constant exchange of knowledge, technology, expertise and skills, accelerating innovation while ensuring our developments translate into real-world impact,” says Genovese.

A MODEL FOR RESEARCH COMMERCIALISATION

MegaRide’s success offers a blueprint for commercialising academic research in highly technical fields. The company has carved out a unique position in the automotive technology ecosystem by maintaining close ties to academia while developing practical market applications.

The company’s ‘researchpreneur’ model provides a case study in technology transfer that may be increasingly relevant as universities worldwide seek to translate research into commercial impact. MegaRide demonstrates that deep technical expertise can be successfully paired with entrepreneurial vision when the right structures and leadership are in place.

As vehicle electrification, automation and connectivity create new challenges for tyre performance and safety, MegaRide’s physics-based approach to simulation and testing positions the company to play an increasingly important role in the future of mobility.

What began as academic research in a Naples university laboratory has evolved into a group of companies pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in understanding the complex interactions between tyres and roads – knowledge that underpins both the thrilling spectacle of motorsport and the mundane safety of everyday driving.

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TVS Srichakra Limited has assumed contractual rights and obligations from its US subsidiary under an agreement with Bristol Motor Speedway LLC.

The Madurai-based company said in a regulatory filing that it executed an assignment and assumption agreement on April 10, 2026 with Super Grip Corporation and Bristol Motor Speedway. Under the arrangement, TVS Srichakra takes over all rights, duties and obligations previously held by Super Grip Corporation under a suite licence agreement dated February 16, 2024 and a sponsorship agreement dated April 5, 2024.

The company will pay USD 1,033,250 in instalments over the remaining term of the agreements. No consideration is payable to Super Grip Corporation for the transfer.

The original terms of the licence and sponsorship agreements remain unchanged, and the arrangements are set to run until December 31, 2028.

TVS Srichakra said the move was intended to enhance the visibility and reach of its brands in global markets.

Super Grip Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, while Bristol Motor Speedway is an unrelated third party. The assignment between TVS Srichakra and Super Grip Corporation qualifies as a related party transaction and has been conducted on an arm’s length basis.

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Autopromotec has officially confirmed a new management structure, appointing Dr Enrica Lazzarini as Chief Executive Officer and Dr Guido Gambassi as Chief Strategy Officer. The decision, confirmed by the Board of Directors, reflects a strategy focused on leadership continuity by promoting experienced and respected internal figures already well established in the automotive equipment and aftermarket sector. The new leadership roles take effect from May 2026.

Under the new organizational chart, Dr Lazzarini was named Secretary General of AICA, the Italian Association of Automotive Equipment Manufacturers, on 5 March 2026. AICA jointly owns the Autopromotec trade fair with AIRP, the Italian Association of Tyre Retreaders. The next edition of the biennial exhibition is scheduled to take place from 26 to 29 May 2027, at the BolognaFiere exhibition centre.

Dr Gambassi now adds the CSO role to his existing responsibilities, which include serving as CEO of EditProm, the publisher of Pneurama magazine, as well as Secretary General of both AIRP and Federpneus, the National Association of Specialist Tyre Retailers. Federpneus operates its training workshop at the Casa Autopromotec headquarters.

The outgoing CEO and former AICA Secretary General, Renzo Servadei, who stepped down for personal reasons, has fully endorsed the new appointments. He has pledged his support for the upcoming 2027 edition to ensure strategic and organisational continuity across all entities responsible for the fair.

Dr Lazzarini said, “I welcome this new challenge with great enthusiasm and am honoured by the trust placed in me. Coordinating the next edition of Autopromotec will undoubtedly be stimulating, and I am certain that with the support of this team, which has been well-established for years, we will organise an event that lives up to the expectations of our exhibitors and visitors. The automotive sector is today increasingly characterised by structural and extremely dynamic innovations, which require the ability to react and analyse. Changes are happening so rapidly that it is now essential and fundamental to see and experience all the innovations first-hand, an opportunity that arises exclusively at events such as those made possible by Autopromotec.”

Dr Gambassi said, “What makes Autopromotec the most specialised trade fair in the sector is its ability to integrate innovations and market trends, thanks to its unique nature. Having a membership base and hosting so many organisations embedded within the fabric of the sector within its premises ensures that Autopromotec continues to be an international benchmark.”

Servadei said, “It is with great emotion and deep gratitude that I step down from both roles I have held to date, confident that the new management team at Autopromotec will carry forward the traditions that make our event unique whilst incorporating all the innovations the future holds. I am delighted that internal staff have been promoted, bringing with them their wealth of connections and relationships, which are our greatest asset: the ability to identify, understand and develop the needs of our exhibitors.”

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has appointed Travis Parman as its new Chief Communications Officer. Parman will report directly to Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart as part of the executive leadership team.

In his new role, Parman is tasked with leading all global communications functions, which encompass media relations, associate communications and corporate reputation management. A key priority will be articulating Goodyear’s ongoing transformation journey and supporting the broader business strategy as the company pursues its vision of becoming number one in tyres and service.

Parman brings extensive experience from senior communications roles at major organisations, including Nissan Motor Corporation, General Motors, Renault Group, Ally Bank and most recently PMI U.S. His background includes guiding companies through complex changes and helping leadership teams connect strategic objectives with operational performance.

Stewart said, "Travis brings deep experience leading communications for complex, global organisations, which will help us engage both internal and external audiences as we share our story – building on the momentum of Goodyear Forward with a continued focus on operational excellence, delivering products that meet customer needs and driving sustainable growth. The communications function is critical to aligning our vision, core values and shared global objectives while building and protecting Goodyear's reputation and market positioning."

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Dunlop Aircraft Tyres, a leading independent global designer and manufacturer of high-performance tyres for commercial, military and freighter aircraft, has appointed Michael ‘Mick’ Wallwork as its new Chief Executive Officer. The company operates as a portfolio holding of Liberty Hall Capital Partners.

A seasoned industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience in value creation for engineered industrial products, Wallwork joins Dunlop from Renold PLC, where he served as President of Renold Chain. In that role, he led roughly 1,250 employees across seven factories and eight service centres in Europe, China and India. His prior senior leadership positions included tenures at Manuli Hydraulics, Brammer and Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, managing multinational operations across Europe, the Americas, Middle East and Asia.

Wallwork holds a Master of Science in Engineering Business Management from Warwick University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering and Design from Loughborough University. His extensive background in both original equipment and aftermarket industrial services positions him to lead Dunlop’s strategic growth across its global markets.

Michael Warren, Partner at Liberty Hall, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mick to Dunlop and look forward to partnering with him as he leads the company through its next phase of growth. Mick brings an extensive track record of developing high-performing teams and driving commercial and operational excellence to successfully build and scale global organisations. His leadership will be critical as Dunlop executes on its strategic value-creation plan, advances its next phase of growth initiatives and continues to deliver the highest-quality products to customers worldwide."

Wallwork said, "I am excited to join Dunlop to build upon its century-long legacy of innovation and excellence as the company enters its next phase of growth. Dunlop's well-established market standing and reputation for quality put us in a strong position to deliver on our strategy. I look forward to partnering with the team to drive operational excellence, invest in our dedicated people and deliver long-term value for our customers and stakeholders worldwide."

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