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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RuLa-BRW, a partner in the AZuR network, has introduced the Berliner BUS400 Premium HL EV, a hot-retreaded tyre engineered specifically for the operational realities of electric city buses. The launch addresses a critical facet of the mobility transition, shifting focus from powertrain emissions to the sustainability of vehicle components. This new offering expands upon the established Berliner BUS400 profile, targeting the distinct mechanical stresses imposed by battery-electric public transport.

Electric buses present unique challenges for tyre design, including substantial weight increases from traction batteries, elevated starting torque and the relentless stop-and-go cycles inherent to urban routes. These factors place considerably greater strain on tyres compared to those used in conventional diesel or gas-powered buses. The BUS400 Premium HL EV has been developed to withstand these rigorous conditions while maintaining performance and safety standards.

The tyre features a robust carcass construction paired with a specialised rubber compound formulated for electric bus traffic, according to RuLa-BRW. This combination is designed to deliver extended mileage, consistent driving stability and cost-effective operation within demanding city environments. The development underscores a commitment to the circular economy, demonstrating how modern retreading techniques can repurpose premium tyre casings multiple times, significantly prolonging their useful life and conserving raw materials.

For public transport operators, the synergy of electromobility and tyre retreading offers tangible operational and environmental benefits. The new tyre enables fleets to reduce new tyre purchases while maximising the service life of existing casings, complementing the zero-emission operation of their vehicles. This innovation highlights that the mobility revolution extends beyond drive systems to encompass the full lifecycle of components, reinforcing the retreading industry’s role in sustainable transport solutions.

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The Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR) has expanded its partnership roster with the addition of Machine-Vision.io, a Reutlingen-based innovator that secured first place in the AZuR startup competition LOOP THE TYRE 2026. The company develops artificial intelligence-powered systems for the automated assessment, classification and sorting of used and scrap tyres. Its technology employs advanced image processing, laser scanners and machine learning to detect manufacturer details, tyre type, dimensions, production dates, tread depth, wear patterns and structural damage, delivering objective and reproducible condition reports.

Manual inspection remains the industry norm, with outcomes often shaped by individual employee experience. Machine-Vision.io digitises this workflow, introducing standardised and verifiable quality evaluation capable of handling high-volume tyre inventories. The generated data enables businesses to route suitable tyres towards reuse or retreading operations while directing non-compliant units to appropriate recycling pathways. This systematic approach improves material flow efficiency and strengthens high-grade recycling loops.

Beyond automated evaluation, the startup provides web-based solutions for tyre inventory management and marketing. Test outcomes, stock quantities and quality classifications are captured digitally and can be synchronised with online marketplaces. Such integration enhances transparency across the supply chain and simplifies the matching of tyres with their most suitable next-use applications.

Through its two-year partnership within the AZuR network, Machine-Vision.io will collaborate with companies, researchers and other stakeholders along the entire value chain to advance the tyre circular economy. The initiative illustrates how digitalisation and objective data can support informed decision-making, potentially increasing the supply of retreadable casings and fostering the continued development of sustainable material cycles.

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Tana Oy has announced the appointment of AB Equipment as its new authorised distributor for the New Zealand market, a strategic move that bolsters the Finnish manufacturer’s footprint across the Asia-Pacific region. This collaboration is designed to elevate local service capabilities and ensure that New Zealand-based operators receive responsive, on-the-ground support.

AB Equipment, a nationally recognised provider with deep expertise in material handling, construction, forestry and municipal machinery, will now carry Tana’s complete range of landfill compactors and recycling equipment. Leveraging its extensive countrywide service infrastructure and technical proficiency, the distributor is well-equipped to manage customer needs from initial commissioning through to long-term maintenance and repairs.

Within Tana’s global sales network, authorised distributors are instrumental in delivering region-specific knowledge and comprehensive lifecycle care. This latest agreement reinforces that commitment, promising New Zealand customers enhanced reliability and sustained operational value from their Tana machines while further solidifying the brand’s international service standards.

Gerd Schreier, VP Sales and Marketing, Tana Oy, said, “Expanding our distributor network with strong local partners is a key part of our growth strategy. AB Equipment’s deep market knowledge and nationwide coverage make them an excellent fit to represent Tana in New Zealand. Together, we can better support waste management operators with efficient and sustainable solutions.”

Peter Dudson, CEO, AB Equipment, said, “With over a century of experience in heavy equipment and a strong focus on customer support, we are excited to bring Tana’s solutions to the New Zealand market. Tana’s technology aligns well with the needs of our customers, particularly in improving efficiency and supporting more sustainable waste management practices.”

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Michelin has opened a new Michelin Tyres & Services (MTS) outlet in Kanpur in partnership with HJ Wheels, expanding access to its products and services in the city and surrounding areas.

Located in Harsh Nagar, the outlet offers Michelin's range of passenger car, SUV and two-wheeler tyres, including the Primacy, Pilot Sport, Latitude Sport and LTX Trail series. It also provides tyre-related services and automotive accessories.

The facility was inaugurated by Annu Mehla, Regional Sales Head – B2C (North and East), Michelin India, alongside the HJ Wheels team.

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director of Michelin India, said: "Kanpur is a pivotal market in Michelin's North India growth journey with a strong automotive customer base and a growing interest in premium products. The launch of our new Michelin Tyre & Services store is a step towards bringing Michelin's globally benchmarked products and services closer to this growing base of discerning customers. As we prepare to introduce Made-in-India passenger car tyres, we remain focused on delivering premium mobility solutions tailored to the evolving needs of Indian consumers."

Michelin said the outlet is intended to improve access to its products and services as demand for premium automotive offerings grows in the region.

The company said Kanpur's improving connectivity through new expressways, expanding presence in electric and advanced manufacturing, ongoing urban development and changing consumer preferences influenced its decision to strengthen its retail network in the city.

The new outlet has been established with HJ Wheels, an automotive aftermarket business that has operated in Kanpur since 1989. Michelin said the partnership reflects its strategy of working with established local retailers to expand its customer reach.

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