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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Michelin has launched a specialised tyre engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern high-capacity mine and quarry loaders. The MICHELIN Xtra Power L5** 26.5 R25 tyre focuses on delivering durability and enhanced productivity in the most challenging operational environments while also prioritising operator comfort. This new size expands Michelin’s portfolio for loaders, building upon the earlier MICHELIN Xtra Power L5*** 35/65 R33 launched in 2021.

The tyre is built to handle complex applications, from face work and block handling to forestry transport and high-speed operations that impose extreme stress. It responds to the industry trend towards larger vehicles with bigger buckets, offering a substantial load capacity increase of up to 18.5 tonnes – a 23 percent improvement over the previous generation.

Key technical advancements underpin its performance. Engineers developed an innovative structure with a curved design and optimised rubber block support to minimise contact surface stress and boost protection. Reinforcements in the tread and shoulders improve damage resistance, while a larger bead heel enhances torque transmission and helps prevent rim slip, reducing premature wear.

Constructed to endure abrasive soils and aggressive surfaces like stone and rock, the tyre facilitates movement across varied terrain, supporting greater machine productivity. Its new tread design and unique rubber compound contribute to this robustness. Additionally, the design incorporates strengthened crown and protective layers with added metal for superior damage resistance.

For long-term cost efficiency, the tyre is designed to be retreadable, helping fleet managers optimise operational expenses. Operator safety and comfort are further enhanced by its capability to operate at pressures up to 7.5 bars, improving machine stability by 20 percent even during intensive loading cycles.

Clifford de Jager, CES Technical Manager, Beyond Road – Mining, Construction, Material Handling at Michelin, said, “At Michelin, we are always adapting and developing our products to ensure they match the needs of the latest machinery on the market. The MICHELIN Xtra Power L5** 26.5 R25 can handle the most challenging working environments while delivering optimised load capacity and improved torque transmission in a stable, comfortable and safe manner.”

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Hankook Tire is all geared up to showcase the prowess of its racing tyres as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship arrives at the Miami International Autodrome for the 2026 Miami E-Prix. The event, serving as Round 3 of Season 12, marks the series' first World Championship race at this iconic venue, albeit on a shorter, 2.32-kilometre layout crafted for Formula E's distinct performance characteristics. This new circuit configuration around Hard Rock Stadium presents a balanced technical challenge, demanding optimal tyre performance in rapid warm-up, traction on corner exit and stability under heavy regenerative braking.

The temporary nature of the circuit, blending permanent asphalt with repurposed stadium grounds, ensures a weekend of significant track evolution. As the surface rubberises, grip levels will change, particularly in high-load areas, making consistent tyre behaviour a critical factor for success. Teams will rely on predictable temperature build-up and dependable grip to execute qualifying strategies and manage energy efficiency throughout the race. Central to meeting this challenge is Hankook's iON Race tyre, engineered to provide strong adhesion and precise handling while maintaining the crucial low rolling resistance required in the all-electric championship.

This motorsport engagement is a cornerstone of Hankook's premium brand advancement in the region, running parallel to its role as a Founding Partner of the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL). Beyond the track, the Miami event will be a full spectacle, featuring a vibrant festival atmosphere with live entertainment, interactive fan experiences and local food offerings. With the home crowd supporting US-linked teams like Andretti and DS PENSKE, and a new circuit testing every component, the E-Prix is set to be a defining event, powered by the technology within Hankook's tyres.

Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director, Hankook Motorsport, said, “Miami is the type of venue that immediately raises the technical stakes. With a Formula E layout making its first championship appearance at the Miami International Autodrome, teams arrive without the usual backlog of race-weekend references. That places even greater importance on tyre consistency, traction stability and temperature control. We’re looking forward to seeing the iON Race support close, high-intensity racing as Formula E brings its street-racing character to Miami.”

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Pirelli has launched the latest summer tyre for SUVs, the new Scorpion, representing a comprehensive evolution of a line first introduced in 1986 for high-driving-position vehicles like the legendary Lamborghini LM002. Today, the Scorpion name encompasses a broad family of products, including SUV, motorcycle and bicycle tyres. This newest iteration is engineered to deliver safety, comfort and lasting performance, specifically tailored to the demands of modern Sport Utility Vehicles.

The development process leveraged advanced virtual engineering, with Pirelli’s Milan-based R&D team evaluating over 20 technological variants of compounds and tread patterns using proprietary mileage-prediction tools. Driving simulators further optimised handling and dry performance before physical validation, which confirmed significant improvements over the preceding generation. This integrated design approach yielded a tyre that excels across key metrics. It has earned the TÜV institute’s Premium Quality Mark, ranking first in independent dry braking and wet handling tests while also leading in wet braking and straight-line aquaplaning. The entire launch range achieves the top European Class A rating for wet grip, along with Class A/B for acoustic comfort and Class B for rolling resistance, ensuring consistent performance across summer temperatures.

To address the unique challenges of SUVs, such as increased weight and a higher centre of gravity, Pirelli incorporated dedicated technical solutions. The tyre features a reinforced carcass and structure, wider central tread blocks and an optimised profile that promotes uniform pressure distribution and reduces shoulder deformation. This design promotes even wear, making it ideal for heavier vehicles. The updated tread compound, which shares innovative materials with the acclaimed latest-generation Cinturato for saloons, ensures stable performance, improved wet grip and excellent mileage. Furthermore, a new groove geometry in the tread pattern enhances both handling and noise comfort.

The new Scorpion is already offered in 16 sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches. It incorporates technologies like Elect, which can extend the range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by up to 10 percent through solutions designed for their specific powertrain characteristics. Building on a legacy of over 300 homologations for the Scorpion summer range, this new generation, developed in collaboration with leading car manufacturers, already has more than 40 homologations in progress.

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Hankook Tire has entered a significant global alliance by becoming a Global Partner of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). This collaboration, formalised at a signing ceremony in London on 23 January 2026 with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Hankook Tire Europe’s President and COO, Jongho Park, aligns the company with the governing body’s vision for the future of mobility and motorsport. The partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to innovation, safety and sustainability.

Central to this alliance are two key roles for Hankook. The company will serve as the Official Partner of the annual FIA Awards and the Official Partner of the FIA Sustainable Innovation Series from 2026 to 2028. This series, conducted with premier FIA World Championships like Formula E and Formula One, creates a global forum for industry leaders. It emphasises practical ‘track to road’ strategies, where advancements pioneered in motorsport directly influence broader automotive development.

Hankook’s commitment extends beyond sponsorship into tangible research and development. The company actively pursues sustainable transformation through AI-assisted development processes and strategic investments in electromobility, exemplified by its specialised iON tyre family for electric vehicles. A heightened use of certified renewable and recycled materials further underscores this direction.

The company views motorsport as a vital proving ground for its technology. Its position as the exclusive technical partner and tyre supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the FIA World Rally Championship provides a direct conduit for testing new materials and technologies under extreme conditions. This integrated approach ensures that Hankook develops tyre solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern mobility, where tyres play a crucial role in the safety, efficiency and sustainability of both conventional vehicles and those utilising new drive concepts.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA, said, “Sustainability and technological innovation are at the heart of our missions at the FIA, so I am delighted to welcome Hankook as a new partner. This new partnership with Hankook reflects the global growth of our FIA Global Partner Program, and through collaboration it will strengthen our work to make motorsport and mobility safer.”

Jongho Park, President & COO, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “The FIA and Hankook share the belief that technological innovation can only be effective on a sustained basis if it combines safety, fairness and responsibility. As Global Partner of the FIA, we want to use our expertise in technology and sustainable tyre development to drive the mobility of the future – in motorsport and beyond.”

Craig Edmondson, Chief Commercial Officer, FIA, said, “Through our expanding Global Partner Program, the FIA is working alongside leading international organisations that share our commitment to driving innovation, sustainability and safety across both motorsport and mobility. We are pleased to welcome Hankook into the FIA Global Partner Program. Together, we will continue to accelerate progress and shape a more sustainable, future‑focused mobility ecosystem.”

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