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)

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In a significant move to reinforce their strategic partnership, ZC Rubber recently hosted a delegation from International Tyres, the exclusive UK distributor for its WESTLAKE tyre brand, at its Hangzhou headquarters. The visit, which included Managing Director Andy Jackson and Commercial Director Richard Allen, was centred on a mutual dedication to providing superior product quality, reliable supply chains and excellent service for commercial vehicle operators in the United Kingdom. The itinerary provided a comprehensive look into ZC Rubber's operations, beginning with a corporate showroom that detailed the company's brand history, global presence and future innovation strategies, including its sustainability efforts.

The tour then progressed to two key manufacturing facilities. The first was the Future Factory for passenger car tyres, where the delegation observed highly automated production lines. This facility demonstrated a commitment to smart manufacturing through real-time quality monitoring, end-to-end traceability and automated logistics, all designed to ensure consistent product quality while improving environmental efficiency. The second site visited was the Zhongce Qingquan TBR plant, which specialises in all-steel truck and bus radial tyres. Here, the guests witnessed the entire production process, from initial material mixing to final inspection.

The tour emphasised robust construction techniques, precise engineering and stringent quality checks that contribute to the tyre's durability and potential for retreading. This collaborative visit has set a strong foundation for the two companies to continue aligning on product availability and responsive support, ensuring that UK fleets receive dependable performance and value from WESTLAKE tyres across various demanding applications.

Leo Liao, European Sales Director of ZC Rubber International Business, said, “International Tyres is a trusted partner, and visits like this ensure we stay closely aligned with the expectations of UK customers.”

Andy Jackson, Managing Director, International Tyres, said, “We appreciated the open access to ZC Rubber’s teams and facilities. Seeing the manufacturing and quality processes behind WESTLAKE strengthens our confidence in the product and our ability to support fleets across the UK.”

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The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ has earned a notable third-place ranking with an 'Exemplary' rating in a major test of high-performance winter tyres conducted by Auto Bild Allrad. The German magazine’s rigorous assessment involved 12 different tyre models in size 215/55 R 17, putting them through a demanding series of tests on specialised tracks in Finland and Germany. These trials – performed with a Volkswagen T-Roc as the primary test vehicle – were designed to evaluate safety and performance across the most challenging winter conditions, from icy and snow-covered roads to wet surfaces.

Testers praised the tyre for its exemplary balance and specifically highlighted its outstanding wet grip and traction. They described its performance as confident and well-rounded, noting its ability to deliver consistent grip and precise steering control even in highly demanding scenarios. This performance profile confirms the tyre's design and engineering purpose as an ideal choice for modern high-performance vehicles.

The Wintrac Pro+ is the latest flagship winter tyre from Vredestein, a brand with a heritage of winter innovation spanning more than half a century. Its advanced technology includes a high-silica tread compound and an optimised directional pattern. This combination is engineered to provide exceptional braking and handling on snow, slush and ice while also contributing to reduced rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency.

To accommodate a wide array of vehicles, the tyre is available in over 120 different sizes fitting rims from 17 to 22 inches. The majority of these variants carry a ‘Y’ speed rating, meaning they are certified for speeds up to 300 kmph. Furthermore, every tyre in the range carries the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, certifying that it meets strict European regulatory standards for severe snow service.

Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Vredestein Pro+ is a premium winter tyre designed specifically for high-performance cars and SUVs, including the latest generation of performance-oriented electric vehicles. With this segment continuing to grow rapidly, it’s significant that Auto Bild Allrad has once again endorsed the competitiveness of our products. The Wintrac Pro+ combines exceptional winter capability with the refinement and confidence expected by today’s drivers.”

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Bridgestone is set to redefine high-performance motorcycling with the 2026 introduction of its track-exclusive RACING BATTLAX V03 tyre in Europe and North America. This premium offering is engineered for a broad spectrum of riders, from dedicated amateurs to professional competitors, who demand exceptional speed and the ultimate in grip from their equipment.

The V03’s development is deeply rooted in Bridgestone’s proven success in elite global racing, such as a five-year winning streak in the FIM Endurance World Championship. This racing heritage directly informs the tyre's advanced technology, including a completely new front and rear profile that enlarges the contact patch with the track. This redesign, combined with novel compounds and sophisticated production methods, results in what Bridgestone describes as the most significant grip in the history of its BATTLAX line. When benchmarked against its predecessor, the V02, the V03's SOFT compound demonstrates a measurable 1.3 percent reduction in lap times, all while maintaining consistent performance over multiple laps.

A landmark innovation for this model is the introduction of a dedicated rear SPRINT spec. This variant is specifically formulated to deliver the absolute peak grip for shorter race formats. By concentrating its compound technology on immediate, maximum performance, the SPRINT spec achieves an even more substantial lap time improvement of 1.9 percent over the previous generation. This provides riders with a strategic choice, allowing them to select a tyre optimised for either endurance or all-out sprint racing conditions.

As the new flagship of Bridgestone's motorcycle racing portfolio, the RACING BATTLAX V03 embodies the company's philosophy of using motorsports as a dynamic laboratory. The technologies perfected in this track-focused tyre are intended to ultimately influence the development of future commercial products, marking a new era where cutting-edge racing innovation directly fuels advancements for all riders.

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In a landmark event for the United Kingdom's agricultural sector, Trelleborg Tires successfully hosted the inaugural UK edition of its Tractor Driver of the Year competition. The prestigious grounds of Prestwold Hall in Leicestershire provided the setting on 16 October 2025 for a gathering of the nation's most skilled operators. These drivers were put through a rigorous practical examination of their abilities, facing a circuit of demanding stations that evaluated their agility, pinpoint accuracy and overall vehicle command.

The contest, which ran throughout the day, required competitors to master a suite of complex manoeuvres. Each task was engineered to push the limits of their expertise using a fleet of Valtra tractors equipped specifically with Trelleborg’s TM1000 ProgressiveTraction and TM1060 tyres. After an intense series of trials, Mitchell Oldershaw emerged victorious, securing the coveted title of Tractor Driver of the Year UK 2025. His winning run, a remarkable feat of precision and speed completed in just eight minutes and forty-nine seconds, earned him the grand prize of an Everyman Racing Platinum Package. The successful execution of the event was supported by technical collaborations with Valtra and Chandlers FE Ltd, which supplied the necessary machinery and trailers.

This UK debut represents a significant international expansion for the competition, which has long been a cornerstone event for farming professionals in Italy. Trelleborg Tires has demonstrated a clear commitment to fostering a hands-on community for the agricultural sector, creating dynamic platforms where operators can directly engage with advanced tyre technology. By translating technical innovation into tangible on-ground performance, the company continues to underscore the critical relationship between superior tyre engineering and enhanced productivity in modern farming. The event’s success paves the way for future gatherings that celebrate skill, technology and community spirit.

Celebrating his victory, Oldershaw said, “A big thank you to everyone for organising such a great event. It’s been a fantastic day – I came for the fun and didn’t expect to win! I’m already looking forward to coming back next year to defend the title!”

Hawra Hussain, Marketing Manager UK & ROI at Yokohama TWS, said, “Tractor Driver of the Year is all about putting farmers’ skills to the test and showcasing real performance in the field. Every detail of this event – from the venue to each challenge – was designed to create an authentic and rewarding experience. Connecting directly with farmers helps us understand their real-world needs and lets them see our tyres in action, demonstrating the superior traction and durability that drive high productivity every day.”

Seth Bradford, Sales Support Manager for UK & Ireland at Valtra, said, “This event has been a great opportunity to meet the agricultural community and strengthen our collaboration with Trelleborg Tires. We work together, as we offer extensive range of Trelleborg VF tyres that work seamlessly with our factory-fitted central tyre inflation system. This integrated approach enhances customisation and maximises performance and comfort in the field.”

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