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!

Bridgestone’s newly launched Total Cost of Ownership platform emerged as a central attraction at this year’s Road Transport Expo, where fleet operators gathered to examine how customised data analytics can refine logistical expenditures. The tool, which made its premiere at the Stoneleigh event, drew thousands of attendees eager to explore the practical applications of operational metrics in minimising fleet-related outlays. Organisers recorded a total turnout of 13,325 visitors, a significant portion of whom engaged directly with Bridgestone’s commercial team to assess the platform’s capabilities.

The TCO Calculator allows transport companies to input their specific performance data, generating individualised cost comparisons that move beyond generic industry benchmarks. This tailored approach enables managers to pinpoint potential savings and make commercially sound choices based on their unique operational profiles. Concurrently, the booth featured ongoing presentations of Bridgestone’s broader portfolio, including premium truck tyres, Bandag retreading systems, Fleetcare services and Webfleet’s digital tools, all of which sustained a steady flow of professional inquiries throughout the event.

Product highlights included the ECOPIA with ENLITEN technology, promoted for its fuel-saving attributes, and the Duravis line, engineered for extended mileage and reduced early tyre removal. Bandag’s retread offerings also drew considerable attention, underscoring the industry’s shifting focus towards sustainable practices that prolong casing life and diminish waste. These presentations reinforced the message that performance need not be sacrificed for ecological or economic benefits.

The exhibition underscored Bridgestone’s broader strategy of lowering total ownership costs through an integrated mix of tyre manufacturing, retreading, telematics and expert consultation. Additional Webfleet innovations, such as AI-powered Fleet Advisor, connected cameras and PRO Driver Terminals, highlighted the role of interconnected technology in boosting safety and regulatory compliance. The positive reception of the TCO platform confirmed that data-centric decision-making is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of modern transport management.

David Almazan, Head of Region and Commercial Business Unit Director, said, “RTX proved to be a fantastic opportunity to meet with customers and have meaningful conversations about the challenges they're facing. There was a real appetite to explore new ways of reducing operating costs, and the response to Bridgestone’s new Total Cost of Ownership platform. The number of visitors wanting to understand how the tool works and how it can be applied to their own operations showed us that fleets are increasingly looking beyond individual products and taking a broader view of total operating costs. That's exactly what the TCO tool has been designed to support.

“RTX continues to be one of the UK's most important events for the commercial vehicle sector, and this year's show demonstrated just how engaged the industry is in finding smarter, more sustainable ways to operate. The quality of conversations we had throughout the three days was exceptional. It wasn't simply about introducing new products; it was about working alongside fleets to understand their businesses and identify practical solutions that deliver long-term value. That's exactly where Bridgestone can make a real difference.”

Alex Crane-Robinson, Webfleet Regional Director, UK and Ireland, said, “The conversations we had at RTX highlighted the growing importance of our technology in helping operators manage increasingly complex and demanding operations. By giving fleets clearer visibility of their vehicles, drivers and day-to-day performance, data insights can help them identify opportunities to improve efficiency, support compliance and control costs. RTX offered a valuable opportunity to demonstrate how Webfleet can help operators use these insights to make faster, better-informed decisions.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Bundeskartellamt has levied fines totalling EUR 11.9 million against Maxxis International GmbH, Best4Tires Berlin GmbH and Reifen Müller GmbH & Co. KG, alongside an individual responsible for the infractions. Maxxis, functioning as the exclusive German importer for Taiwanese manufacturer Cheng Shin Rubber, supplies tyres under its own brand and the CST label, while the other two firms operate as domestic wholesalers.

The proceedings originated when a competing wholesaler disclosed the restrictive practices to the authority and agreed to cooperate fully. The allegations centre on a coordinated scheme to control pricing within the German wholesale market for Maxxis and CST tyres. At the end of 2015, Maxxis, responding to commercial pressure from wholesalers including the predecessor of Best4Tires Berlin and Reifen Müller, initiated margin guarantee contracts that assured fixed profit margins on each tyre sold, later extending similar deals to nine additional distributors.

Central to the arrangement was a tacit agreement that wholesalers would avoid price leadership and adopt only a defensive sales posture, particularly on the Tyre24 online platform. Maxxis concurrently deployed a price moderation framework that prescribed recommended resale prices, continuously monitored actual market prices via buyer accounts on the platform, and systematically intervened against perceived underpricing. This system persisted until July 2024, when the company abandoned the practice and terminated all remaining margin agreements following the cartel office’s intervention.

The authority also determined that the two wholesalers had actively pursued and benefited from these margin guarantees, with Best4Tires Berlin inheriting liability for its predecessor’s continuation of the anti-competitive behaviour after its 2022 acquisition. Mitigating factors in the penalty assessment included cooperation from Maxxis and Best4Tires Berlin, alongside settlements agreed by Maxxis and Reifen Müller. The fine orders remain subject to appeal before the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court, which will conduct a full factual and legal review of the case.

Andreas Mundt, President, Bundeskartellamt, said, “Vertical price-fixing agreements tend to put consumers at a disadvantage as they often lead to excessive prices. The Bundeskartellamt vigorously prosecutes such practices, which have already been prohibited since the early 1970s. In any case, agreements guaranteeing distributors a certain margin violate competition law if, as here, they contain provisions on distributors’ selling prices, thereby restricting their freedom to set prices.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

PT Tiga Berlian Mandiri (Tiberman), an Indonesian importer and distributor of tyres and wheels, used Tiberman Expo 2026 to showcase its expanding business portfolio, strengthen industry partnerships and launch a new renewable energy business.

Held at the company's Super Area in Gresik, East Java, the exhibition brought together representatives from more than 70 companies, government officials and international tyre suppliers. The event featured hundreds of tyre and wheel products and was hosted at one of Tiberman's 15 Super Areas across Indonesia.

Built around the company's philosophy, "We Provide Solutions", the exhibition focused on integrated business solutions for industries including transportation, logistics, mining, plantations, manufacturing and construction, rather than solely on product displays.

The event also served as a platform for collaboration between industry, government institutions and international partners. Visitors explored tyre and wheel solutions for commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, heavy equipment and specialised industrial applications, while Tiberman sought to strengthen customer relationships and support improvements in operational efficiency and reliability.

Alongside the exhibition, Tiberman Group inaugurated the second warehouse of PT Fie Min Logistics, its bonded logistics and warehousing subsidiary. Representatives from the East Java Regional Office of Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise officiated at the opening.

According to the company, the new facility will increase storage capacity, improve distribution across Indonesia and enhance customer service.

Tiberman also announced the launch of PT Ethlon Energy Indonesia, marking its entry into the renewable energy sector.

The new company will provide consulting, system integration and installation services for solar photovoltaic power systems, targeting mining companies, plantations, industrial operations and large corporate customers. Tiberman said the expansion reflects increasing demand for energy solutions that are more efficient, reliable and environmentally responsible.

The company said the move broadens its position from a product-focused business to an integrated solutions provider spanning tyres, wheels, logistics and renewable energy.

During the exhibition, Tiberman also received two recognitions from the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI). The awards recognised what the company described as Indonesia's first tyre featuring a batik motif on its sidewall and the first tyre incorporating inspirational quotations into its tread design.

PT Tiga Berlian Mandiri said the exhibition reinforces its long-term strategy of expanding its distribution network, strengthening logistics capabilities and developing new business segments while supporting customers across multiple industries through its nationwide network of 15 Super Areas.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Birla Tyres has officially joined the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), becoming the newest member of the leading industry body. The company, with its registered office in Kolkata, operates a large-scale manufacturing facility in Balasore, Odisha, which spans 195 acres and is dedicated to producing a diverse range of speciality tyres.

Based in New Delhi, ATMA represents major tyre manufacturers that account for more than 80 percent of domestic production. The association serves as a vital link between the government and the industry while also engaging with media, opinion leaders and international trade bodies to advocate for the sector’s perspectives.

ATMA actively participates in policy formulation and regularly consults with government departments on economic challenges affecting the industry. Its existing membership includes prominent firms such as MRF Tyres, JK Tyre & Industries, CEAT Ltd and Bridgestone India, the local subsidiary of the Japanese tyre giant.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!