What may change and what may not

It is impossible to predict in advance which changes will stick, and how much and to what extent our lives will change, but it is safe to say that the changes that will persist are those that make our lives safer, healthier, and more efficient.

Mask wearing may be the most visible change that persists, and not just cheap surgical masks or bandanas. In many big, design-conscious cities the mask is already becoming more a fashion statement, a new feature of the personal decoration of city life that permeates these places. Masks may become walking billboards for commercial ads or political statements. Masks, visors and facial protection will be integrated into the uniforms of public workers, delivery people, police, firefighters, and security guards.

All public places – schools, theaters, shopping malls offices and mass transit will be reconfigured for physical distancing. Restaurants, cafes and gymnasiums, those that survive the pandemic, will have fewer patrons, as their tables and equipment will have been designed for physical distancing. Attendees of at large venues, such as sports venues, may continue to be subjected to have their temperatures checked.

The way we worked by going to the “office” has changed and many will continue working from home. This means reduced need for large office buildings. Still, growing urbanisation will continue. In the past, urbanisation has overcome the devastating Black Plagues, cholera and even the recent Spanish Flu which killed as many as 50 million people worldwide between 1918 and 1920. Each and every time, the economic power of cities — their ability to foster innovation and productivity by pulling together the talent of workers — has been more than enough to offset the destructive power of infectious disease. However, the current digital era may achieve similar outcomes without people clustered together in an urban setting.

On an individual consumer level, more shopping will move to online transactions with courier services delivering goods – so, brick-and-mortar shopping venues will see reduced business.

The pandemic has had a swift and severe impact on the globally integrated automotive industry and has placed intense pressure on an industry already coping with a downshift in global demand as well as the cost of shifting towards electrification. So, look for a changed industry with increased merger & acquisition activity.  

So, change is here to stay, and businesses need to pay special attention to signals being sent by consumers’ changing behavior. 

Anyway, when the pandemic and all its related crises finally ebb and we are on the road to recovery in a few months or a couple of years from now, we will have the opportunity to look back and see what has changed!

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) recently welcomed Dr Satya Tripathi, Secretary General, Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet (GASP), for a courtesy visit to its Secretariat. During this engagement, Dr Tripathi held discussions with ANRPC’s Secretary General, Dr Suttipong Angthong, as well as Secretariat members Dr Lekshmi Nair and Riska Pujiati. This initial dialogue marked the beginning of conversations aimed at fostering collaboration between ANRPC and GASP to advance sustainability within the natural rubber industry.

Both groups acknowledged systemic challenges facing rubber producing nations, including environmental harm, climate instability and economic volatility. They agreed the industry must embrace the global Green Transition, ensuring rubber enters markets through transparent, ethical, and sustainable supply chains.

The dialogue explored partnerships to strengthen sector resilience and ethical integrity, with special emphasis on supporting smallholders through transformative initiatives that deliver environmental and social impact. The meeting highlighted how high-impact collaboration drives climate adaptation, resilient ecosystems, sustainable livelihoods and inclusive prosperity. Dr Tripathi, a renowned development economist and former UN Assistant Secretary General, also participated in ANRPC’s COP30 side event promoting smallholder projects for net zero and beyond.

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Hankook Tire has announced a major brand advertising campaign set to run throughout the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season, targeting fans across 26 stadiums in North America, including both United States and Canada. This initiative is designed to elevate the premium positioning of its globally unified ‘Hankook’ brand within the local market. The effort kicked off following the Opening Day game between the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees at Oracle Park in San Francisco on 25 March.

To broaden customer engagement, Hankook Tire will feature not only its core ‘Hankook’ brand identity but also its pioneering electric vehicle tyre lineup called ‘iON’, which is the world’s first full range of EV tyres, alongside the ‘Dynapro’ SUV tyre brand. A notable expansion this season is the inclusion of the Toronto Blue Jays’ home stadium in Ontario, Canada, allowing the company to extend its brand presence across the entire Canadian region for the first time.

Throughout the 2026 regular season, Hankook Tire plans to display its branding on major LED boards located in high-traffic areas such as behind home plate, along the first base line and on outfield fences. By integrating branding into these prominent ballpark locations, the company aims to naturally boost awareness of the ‘Hankook’ name among sports fans while strengthening its competitive edge in North America, a key global market for both SUVs and electric vehicles.

Since 2018, Hankook Tire has built on roughly five years of official MLB sponsorship to implement targeted sports marketing for local customers, reinforcing its premium image in the region. Following the successful World Baseball Classic, which showcased Major League talent, the company expects to enhance the innovative and dynamic image of its brand for both live spectators and baseball fans worldwide. Key markets featuring this high-visibility signage include New York, Boston, Atlanta and Toronto, among others, for the entire 2026 season.

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Magna Tyres has unveiled the M-TRUCK RG22, a commercial tyre aimed at the drive axle position of trucks engaged in regional haulage. This model is calibrated for shorter, repetitive routes where weather and road conditions change frequently. The tyre prioritises dependable grip and extended wear life, helping fleet operators achieve fewer replacements and more consistent handling.

The RG22 comes in sizes 295/60R22.5 and 315/60R22.5, with an 18 or 20 ply rating. Load and speed indices are 150/147K or 154/150L, and the tread carries both M+S and the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. Fuel efficiency is rated C, wet braking grip is B, and noise output is 73 decibels, falling under the quietest A classification.

The RG22 effectively pushes water away from the contact patch, reducing aquaplaning risk on soaked regional roads. Its tread pattern promotes even wear, helping transport companies stretch mileage budgets. A sturdy internal construction withstands the stop-start stresses of regional work, offering a balanced solution where traction, longevity and all-weather reliability meet.

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has launched Easter campaign to remind all road users that proper tyre maintenance is essential for a safe Easter getaway. With families carrying extra passengers, luggage and holiday treats, vehicles face increased strain, making tyre condition and pressure more critical than ever. Tyres are the only part of the car in contact with the road, so their health directly influences braking, handling and overall journey security.

Easter remains one of the busiest travel periods, and early signs point to another crowded weekend on British roads. According to the VisitEngland Domestic Trip Tracker 2025, a quarter of adults in Britain definitely planned an overnight Easter trip, with nearly one in five still undecided. As more families opt for UK breaks and rural staycations, the volume of traffic rises, and so does the reliance on tyres to cope with heavier loads and longer distances.

Carrying extra luggage, pushchairs, bikes and camping gear places significant additional weight on vehicles. Underinflated tyres under such loads lead to longer stopping distances, reduced stability, poorer steering control, greater risk of tyre failure and increased fuel consumption. Vehicle manufacturers provide specific pressure recommendations for fully loaded cars, yet many drivers overlook these adjustments before long journeys. Properly inflated tyres are vital to managing these risks.

Rural roads, popular for Easter escapes, remain the most dangerous in UK. A recent European Transport Safety Council report revealed that rural roads accounted for 59 percent of all UK road deaths in 2022, with over 10,100 fatalities in the past decade. While overall road deaths have fallen slightly, rural fatalities have not improved. Hazards such as sharp bends, narrow lanes, agricultural vehicles, poor lighting, potholes and slippery spring surfaces mean tyres must provide maximum grip and stability at all times.

TyreSafe’s own tread depth survey estimates that six million tyres on UK roads are illegal, meaning many vehicles are already unsafe before departure. To prevent Easter plans from unravelling, TyreSafe urges every driver to include tyre checks in their holiday routine, alongside packing and route planning, by embracing the simple ACT protocol: regular checks of air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “Easter is a time for family, fresh air and making memories – but it’s also one of the busiest times on our roads. Heavily loaded vehicles, long journeys and rural routes can all increase risk if tyres aren’t properly maintained. Something as simple as adjusting your tyre pressures for a full car can make a significant difference to safety and performance. Before you hop off on your Easter adventure, take a few minutes to ACT – check your Air pressure, Condition and Tread. It’s a small step that could make a life-saving difference.”

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