It was only many years later that we learnt about the atrocities and the inhuman ways the natives of the Amazon Valley were subjected to by the white barons to develop exporting of natural rubber to Europe to provide the main raw material for the automotive tyre industry which was gradually evolving in to a flourishing industry. The inventing of synthetic rubber in the late 1940s and the development of SBR  due to the short supply of natural rubber from the colonies  in the East to cater for the growing demand for tyres used in the military vehicles during the Second World War and the Korean War is another episode of beyond the border commercial endeavours.

Although the word ‘globalisation’ was coined by Theodore Levitt in 1983 through an article ‘Globalisation of Markets’ which appeared in the Harvard Business Review  (May-June 1983), I feel that we should go way back in the annals of history to get an understanding of the term. This knowledge may not look attractive to the modern business world. Nevertheless, the sociologists and others of similar disciplines will certainly find such knowledge useful in comprehending the modern day socio-economic woes.

Origins of globalisation may possibly be traced back to early human migrations, presumably from the Olduvai George Gorge, a site in Tanzania that holds the earliest evidence of human ancestors. Human migration is the movement of people from one place to another, particularly different countries, with the intent of settling temporarily or permanently in the new location. It typically involves movement over long distances. The driving motive, namely seeking dominance over fellow men and exploiting the natural environment to achieve success, does not seem to have changed over the millions of years.

The emergence of the great civilisations, e.g. Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, and their subsequent decline can be attributed to globalisation. Similarly, the invasions and cross-border military conquests of historical fame (or notoriety) such as that of Alexander the Great and colonisation by the West for the exploitation of natural wealth in Asia, Africa and South America reveals an ugly facet of globalisation.

The Silk Route interlinking East Asia and Southeast Asia with South Asia, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa and Southern Europe, on the other hand, was central to the economic, political, cultural and religious interactions between these regions form 2nd century BCE to the 18th century.

The industrialisation and expansion of business and commerce across countries during the past 300-plus years was fuelled by the four industrial revolutions, or waves as some prefer to identify them, namely steam power, conveyor system, computers and digitalisation. The process is continuing to the unforeseeable future with new knowledge and innovations fuelling the globalisation.

The multifaceted nature of globalisation has commonly been identified into eight types as shown below:

•           Political Globalisation

•           Social Globalisation

•           Economic Globalisation

•           Technological Globalisation

•           Financial Globalisation

•           Cultural Globalisation

•           Economic Globalisation

•           Geographical Globalisation

My intention is not to delve in to a discussion about the pros and cons of globalisation, which has been comprehensively documented, but to highlight on some key aspects from this part of the world, especially of the Asian subcontinent.

Knowledge dissemination across border, in my view, is the single most important factor associated with globalisation. This appears common to all the above types of globalisation. The dissemination of the Buddhist doctrine by the great Emperor Asoka to countries spreading from the far East to the Central Asia and Middle East including the present Sri Lanka during 3rd century BCE is one of the earliest recorded instances of globalisation.

Countries with long histories going back to 3,000 to 4,000-plus years, such as India, China and Sri Lanka, possessed a vast knowledge base ingrained in the social consciousness. This appears to have significantly influenced the philosophical and intellectual thought of the Greek and Persian periods. Unfortunately, a major part of this knowledge has been eroded through the influence of the West, which started around the 16th century. One good example of this knowledge found in the ancient irrigation knowledge of Sri Lanka is the engineering  marvel of a gradient of 1 inch per mile in an ancient canal about 87 km long,  built to connect two man-made reservoirs in the 5th century AD. Similarly, India and Sri Lanka possessed a vast indigenous knowledge base in medicine, astrology, architecture, agriculture, irrigation and astrology, and it is somewhat unfortunate that this knowledge has not been adequately globalised. The only significant inroads are seen in tourism. But that too are based on the western norms.

On the other hand, we have acquired a vast knowledge from the industrialised countries on modern management thoughts and technologies which have enabled industrialisation and improvement in living conditions of the populace. In this era of interdependency, a country cannot afford to ignore the technologies which are necessary to maintain a suitable level of competitiveness internationally. However, if this is accomplished at the expense of ignoring the inherent social and cultural foundations, the long-term adverse consequences would be disastrous and unimaginable.

The adverse long-term consequences of the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and the global addiction to pharmaceuticals are already seen physically and socially in practically all the countries, especially the so called underdeveloped or developing countries.

The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the irreversible effects of global warming are two examples of globalisation which are affecting the mere sustenance  of mankind.

A country can immensely benefit by striving for stars through adopting modern technologies. However, the absolute importance of a strong base cannot be ignored or taken lightly. Back to a strong base and reinforcing the base lies at the core of sustainable development.

The words of Mahatma Gandhi echoing from the past reaffirm this plain truth in no uncertain terms.

“I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.”

“What's past is prologue," a quote from William Shakespeare's ‘The Tempest’ presumes that though history is written, the future is anyone's to decide – with the knowledge gleaned from the past. (TT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Goodyear has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2026 by Ethisphere, marking the third consecutive year it has received this prestigious honour. This recognition reflects the company’s enduring commitment to fostering integrity throughout its global operations. Goodyear is the only tyre manufacturer and one of just eight automotive businesses to appear on this year’s list, which spans 17 countries and 40 industries.

Ethisphere determines its honourees through a rigorous, data-driven evaluation process that examines corporate governance, ethical culture, compliance programmes, environmental and societal impact and third-party management. A panel of experts analyses this information to identify organisations that demonstrate exceptional ethical leadership and best practices in business integrity.

This latest recognition reaffirms Goodyear’s ongoing dedication to principled conduct and responsible business practices worldwide.

Erin Lewis, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, said, “Receiving this recognition for the third consecutive year is a reflection of our associates’ strong commitment to acting with integrity. Goodyear’s inclusion on this respected list again this year underscores our longstanding commitment to ethical decision-making, responsible leadership and creating a culture where integrity guides every action.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Nokian Tyres has launched the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P, a new premium winter tyre engineered for predictable and high-performance driving across a variety of Central European conditions. This new product integrates the company’s Nordic expertise into a tyre designed to perform reliably on snow, slush, wet and dry roads. It has been awarded the Premium TÜV SÜD Tyre Mark, an independent certification that verifies its outstanding quality and performance against rigorous benchmark standards, complementing the manufacturer's own extensive internal testing.

The tyre is intended for drivers of high-performance vehicles, sedans and SUVs who require dependable performance for daily commuting, mountain driving, long journeys and high-speed travel. The initial launch includes 50 products ranging from 17 to 21 inches, with the majority classified as XL for heavy loads, and the range is planned to expand to 98 SKUs covering 16 to 22 inches. Reflecting a commitment to sustainability, up to 40 percent of the tyre’s raw materials are renewable, recycled or ISCC PLUS certified. This advancement supports the company’s broader goal of increasing that proportion to 50 percent by 2030. Production takes place at the company's new facility in Oradea, Romania, recognised as the world's first full-scale tyre factory to operate with zero CO2 emissions in scopes 1 and 2, with select sizes also manufactured at the factory in Nokia, Finland.

The tyre’s performance capabilities were validated through extensive testing in both controlled and real-world environments. Winter testing was conducted at the Ivalo Test Center in Finnish Lapland to ensure high standards on snow and ice, while high-speed and wet performance evaluations took place at the Hakka Ring in Spain and the test track in Nokia, Finland. The Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P becomes the flagship winter offering for Central and Southern European consumers, joining the Seasonproof 2 for all-season and the Powerproof 2 for summer in the company's latest product lineup.

The tyre features a Triple Zone Tread designed to enhance safety and control. This includes an Arctic Zone with 3D siping for improved snow grip, an Aqua Zone with a blade groove design to increase groove volume and resist aquaplaning and a Performance Zone with optimised geometry for enhanced directional stability and cornering precision. The Alpine Grip Compound incorporates a new generation of polymers and renewable resins, alongside the highest proportion of silica ever used by the company in a winter tyre for this market. This high silica content ensures responsiveness in cold temperatures, supports wet grip and contributes to lower rolling resistance for improved efficiency. The Power Lock Core utilises Performance Bead Rings to enhance stability and handling during sudden, high-speed manoeuvres.

Durability is addressed through the inclusion of Aramid Strong Sidewalls on all sizes 17 inches and above. These sidewalls embed lightweight aramid fibres, a material also used in defence and aerospace industries, to reinforce the tyre against impacts from potholes and road hazards and reduce the risk of punctures. A large rim protector is also incorporated to shield wheels from curb damage. The tyre is designed to seamlessly fit both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles, carrying the Electric Fit emblem to signify it has been developed and tested to meet the specific demands of EVs regarding weight, noise, torque and range. It also features SilentDrive Technology, which uses a layer of acoustic foam attached to the inner liner to dampen bothersome frequencies and provide a quieter, more comfortable cabin experience.

Tommi Alhola, Senior Vice President – Central Europe, Nokian Tyres, said, “As electric vehicles and SUVs become more popular in Europe, larger rim sizes and heavier loads are more prevalent than ever. The diverse size options and outstanding safety and performance properties of the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P meet the needs of Central and Southern European winter drivers as their vehicle choices evolve.”

Martin Dražík, Product Manager, Nokian Tyres, said, “We developed the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P to balance ultimate confidence with exciting performance. Central European consumers demand a product that keeps them safe in a wide array of winter conditions without sacrificing an enjoyable driving experience. We spent years preparing the Snowproof 3P to blend Nordic winter know-how with the unique properties needed to thrive in unpredictable winter conditions.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone will continue as a tyre supplier to the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) in 2026, extending its partnership with the series which began in 2017. The company will increase its involvement by equipping seven teams with its premium BATTLAX motorcycle tyres, a rise from the five teams supported the previous year. The seven teams are AutoRace Ube Racing Team, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, F.C.C. TSR Honda France, Kawasaki Webike Trickstar, KM99 Yamaha, Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team and Yoshimura SERT Motul.

This expanded role follows a highly successful 2025 season where a Bridgestone-equipped team, Yamalube YART Yamaha, claimed the EWC title. This victory marked the sixth championship win for a team using Bridgestone tyres and the fifth consecutive year of such dominance, with five of the top six overall positions occupied by Bridgestone-supported teams.

The BATTLAX racing tyres are the result of advanced engineering, utilising sophisticated materials and construction methods to provide superior grip, consistent performance and lasting durability. These qualities are essential for the demanding nature of endurance racing, which features events lasting up to a full day. Engineered to perform reliably in diverse weather and track conditions, the tyres give riders the confidence to maintain a competitive pace throughout each stint.

Bridgestone views the racetrack as a crucial development environment, using the extreme conditions of the EWC to rigorously test and refine its technology. With races ranging from 8 to 24 hours, the series places continuous, intense stress on tyres, offering a perfect setting to advance compound chemistry and construction techniques. This knowledge is then applied to consumer products under the company’s From Circuit to Street philosophy. The latest proof of this process is found in new additions to the BATTLAX family, including the track-only RACING BATTLAX V03 slick tyre and the road-legal BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12, both of which feature technology honed in the crucible of endurance competition.

Nico Thuy, Director Motorcycle, Bridgestone EMEA, said, “The FIM Endurance World Championship represents the ultimate proving ground for tyre performance, durability and innovation. The 2025 season once again demonstrated the consistency and capability of Bridgestone tyres under the toughest racing conditions. Following this success, we are proud to offer our expertise and top-performing tyres to seven teams for 2026.”

The 2026 EWC season schedule is as follows:

• 18 April: 24 Heures Motos, Le Mans, France
• 6 June: 8 Hours of Spa Motos, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
• 5 July: Cuca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours, Suzuka race track, Japan
• 19 September: the Bol d'Or, Circuit Paul Ricard, France

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has unveiled its comprehensive motorsports activity plan for the 2026 season. The company views its participation in global motorsports as essential for advancing tyre technology and reinforcing the ADVAN and GEOLANDAR brands. Its strategy encompasses a diverse range of events, from top-tier championships to grassroots competitions worldwide.

Key championships and series

• SUPER FORMULA: Yokohama Rubber has renewed its exclusive agreement as Official Tyre Partner and control tyre supplier for Japan's premier racing series, a partnership dating back to 2016. The new contract extends through the 2030 season. For 2026, the company will supply ADVAN racing tyres featuring a high renewable and recycled raw material ratio of approximately 46%. The series will also introduce the SUPER POLE QUALIFYING Supported by YOKOHAMA TYRE, a three-stage knockout format.
• SUPER GT: Yokohama will supply ADVAN racing tyres to one car in the GT500 class and 17 cars in the GT300 class, aiming for victories and a championship title in the latter.
• Nürburgring 24-Hour Race: Yokohama will supply ADVAN racing tyres to three teams: Haupt Racing Team, KONDO RACING with Rinaldi, and BMW M Motorsport. This marks the first collaboration with BMW M Motorsport in nearly 40 years, with ADVAN tyres fitted to two BMW cars entered by Schubert Motorsport and a special fan-focused BMW entry. Tyres will also be supplied for the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS).
• Porsche Sprint & Endurance Challenges: For the sixth consecutive year, ADVAN racing tyres will serve as the control tyre for the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America and Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West. It will also be the control tyre for the Porsche Endurance Challenge North America for the third straight year.
• Ford Mustang Cup: Yokohama will again supply ADVAN racing tyres as the control tyre for this one-make series, which features the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R.
• American Off-Road Racing Championship (AORC): Yokohama has become a supporting sponsor of this newly launched premier desert racing series. The company will supply GEOLANDAR tyres to top teams competing in the championship, which includes renowned races like Best in the Desert and The Mint 400.

Other major events and disciplines

• Hill Climb: At the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Yokohama will supply ADVAN racing tyres to top drivers and continue sponsoring and providing the control tyre for the Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama.
• Off-Road Races: Yokohama will seek a second consecutive overall win at the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) using GEOLANDAR M/T G003 tyres. In North America, the company will support the King of the Hammers (as title sponsor of the Every Man Challenge), the Championship Off-Road series (with GEOLANDAR X-AT and A/T4 tyres), and the TrophyLite Series (supplying GEOLANDAR M/T G003 as the official specification tyre for the eighth year). They will also supply tyres for the XCR Sprint Cup Series in Japan.
• Rally: In the Japanese Rally Championship (JRCA), ADVAN rally tyres will be supplied to top JN-1 class teams, including the NUTAHARA Rally Team (with an ADVAN-coloured car) and SUBARU Team ARAI. Yokohama will also support the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge for a second year.
• Drift: For FORMULA DRIFT JAPAN (FDJ), Yokohama will supply ADVAN NEOVA AD09 tyres to teams in the top FDJ class and provide control tyres (ADVAN NEOVA AD09 for FDJ2, ADVAN APEX V601 for FDJ3). The company will also supply ADVAN tyres to a team competing in the D1 GRAND PRIX.
• Speed Competitions: In Japan, Yokohama will supply ADVAN A052 and A050 tyres for the All Japan Gymkhana Championship and a range of ADVAN tyres for various surfaces in the All Japan Dirt Trial Championship.

Participatory & Grassroots: Yokohama will support grassroots events globally, including supplying ADVAN dB V553 tyres as the control tyre for the new CATERHAM CUP JAPAN. The company also announced its Yokohama Motorsports Scholarship 2026 programme to support participants in Japanese rally, gymkhana and dirt trial competitions.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!