Andrew Bogie

Bridgestone India has announced the winners of its sixth annual Mobility Social Impact Awards (MSIA) 2026 at a ceremony in Pune, celebrating organisations and individuals using innovative mobility solutions for social good. Across three main categories, the winning initiatives shared a total prize fund of 40 Lakh rupees (£31,000).

Michelin has been reappointed as the exclusive tyre supplier for the top-tier Hypercar category of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) following a competitive tender process organised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). The governing bodies’ decision extends Michelin’s existing agreement, which was due to run until 2029, by a further three seasons, securing the French manufacturer's commitment through to the end of 2032.

International transport charity Transaid and the FIA Foundation have concluded the third annual Safe African Helmets Initiative (SAHI) Summit in Accra, Ghana, calling for urgent cross-border action to improve helmet standards, enforcement, and supply chains.

Goodyear has opened its first Motor City Garage retail concept in Detroit, timing the launch to coincide with the 2026 Woodward Dream Cruise and a rare double appearance by two Goodyear Blimps over the city.

Escalating raw material inflation, shifting European trade measures, and evolving government policies are continuing to squeeze UK manufacturing competitiveness in 2026. Commenting on these factors, James Ellison, sales director at aftermarket exhaust manufacturer Klarius Products, outlines how volatility within industrial energy markets is creating significant uncertainty for manufacturers, affecting both short-term pricing and long-term contracts, while explaining that maintaining consistency of supply requires careful management and expertise, the latter of which is strongly available within the UK automotive sector.

First Line Ltd is highlighting the growing aftermarket importance of electric vehicle thermal management as electric and hybrid vehicles become a larger part of the UK vehicle parc.

Michelin’s Connected Solutions Division has added 19 electric vans to its operational fleet, taking the number of EVs in service to 36 out of 56 vehicles.

Michelin Connected Fleet has launched its Michelin AI Assistant for UK customers operating commercial vehicle and passenger transport fleets, giving users rapid access to operational data through the MyConnectedFleet web platform.

Tyres & Accessories’ 2026 ranking of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers based on sales shows a strong degree of continuity at the top, but also isolated cases of clear movement just beneath it. Michelin remains number one with Bridgestone retaining second place, but the key story in the top 10 is Yokohama Rubber’s advance into sixth place, confirming a more fluid contest behind the established top five. Updated at the end of May 2026, the latest rankings use 2025 tyre sales to rank Michelin first with sales of €24.75 billion, ahead of Bridgestone on €22.50 billion. Goodyear remains third on €15.56 billion, Continental fourth on €13.80 billion and Pirelli fifth on €6.78 billion.

Michelin will use this year’s Road Transport Expo to showcase new truck tyres and connected fleet technologies, with AI-led tools for safety, compliance and operating efficiency also featuring on its stand. The manufacturer will present the new X Multi D2 295/80 R22.5 on stand G54, giving the tyre its UK show debut ahead of a September market launch. Road Transport Expo 2026 takes place at NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, from 30 June to 2 July.