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!
Jack Shanahan Takes Third Overall In Formula DRIFT Championship On Kumho Ecsta V730 Tyres
- By TT News
- October 31, 2026
Kumho Tire USA has announced that its driver Jack Shanahan finished third overall in the 2026 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship, concluding a strong second season with a runner-up result at Round 8, the Shoreline Showdown, held in Long Beach, California. Competing on KUMHO Ecsta V730 tyres, Shanahan entered the season finale as the top qualifier and recorded his fourth podium of the year in his E82 BMW.
After securing first place in qualifying, Shanahan collected four championship points and received a bye through the Top 32 round. He then won three head-to-head battles to reach the Finals, where he met five-time PRO Champion James Deane in a tightly fought contest. While attempting to stay close to Deane’s Mustang, Shanahan spun in Zone 6 and ultimately took second place at the Shoreline Showdown.
The KUMHO Ecsta V730 is an extreme-performance summer tyre designed to deliver exceptional grip, responsiveness and consistency in demanding track conditions, making it well suited to competitive motorsports and driving enthusiasts.
Ed Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, “Jack has delivered an outstanding season, and we couldn’t be prouder of what he’s accomplished in just his second year competing in Formula DRIFT. His four podium finishes and third-place championship standing are a testament not only to his talent and determination but also the reliable performance of our Ecsta V730 tyres. We’re proud to support Jack as he continues to establish himself among the sport’s top competitors.”
Shanahan said, “What an incredible year it’s been for our small but mighty team. To finish second at the final round and third overall in the championship exceeded all our expectations heading into the 2026 season. Having the grip, consistency and reliability of the KUMHO Ecsta V730 tyres gave me the confidence to push my limits every round and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.”
Vredestein Quatrac Pro 2 Sets New Benchmarks In Independent All-Season Tyre Tests
- By TT News
- October 31, 2026
The all-new Vredestein Quatrac Pro 2 premium ultra-high-performance all-season tyre has had its class-leading capabilities confirmed through independent testing in Spain and Finland. The tyre established new benchmarks for wet braking and recorded the fastest snow handling lap times against four leading all-season rivals.
Testing in Finland at the UTAC winter facility used a sensor-equipped BMW 5 Series to measure speed and lap times, with all tyres subjected to identical procedures. The Quatrac Pro 2 achieved the quickest snow handling lap, showing exceptional grip, balance and controllability, which testers praised for excellent response and stability in all circumstances. Its snow performance is aided by 3D interlocking sipes at the shoulder, whose zig-zagged inner faces in horizontal and vertical planes limit tread block movement.
In Spain, Applus+ IDIADA assessed dry and wet handling and braking on certified asphalt with defined water depth. The tyre outperformed key competitors in wet conditions, delivering a 7 percent wet-braking advantage over one long-established segment rival, and separate testing confirmed an A wet-grip rating across the entire size range, unique in the UHP all-season segment. Four longitudinal grooves in every size, also unique in the category, plus directional lateral grooves, support water evacuation and aquaplaning resistance.
Compared with its predecessor, abrasion resistance has improved by 8 percent to maximise tyre life, while rolling resistance is reduced by 10 percent to boost driving range, underlining suitability for electric vehicles. The Quatrac Pro 2 is available now for wheel diameters from 17 to 24 inches, with section widths up to 355 mm for powerful passenger vehicles.
Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Vredestein has long been recognised for its premium all-season tyres, and these independent tests reinforce that reputation. The Quatrac Pro 2 delivered exceptional grip and traction against other premium competitors while also improving efficiency and longevity compared with its predecessor.”
Sri Trang Group Clinches Dual Honours At SET Awards 2026
- By TT News
- October 31, 2026
Sri Trang Group secured dual honours at the SET Awards 2026, hosted by the Stock Exchange of Thailand, reinforcing its sustainability credentials. Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA) took home the Highly Commended Supply Chain Management Award. Its affiliate, Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company Limited (STGT), earned a Sustainability Recognition within the Sustainability Excellence category. Together, the accolades signal the Group's push to elevate business standards and generate lasting value across its entire value chain.
The awards were presented on 29 October 2026 at the Stock Exchange of Thailand building. STA Executive Director Vitchaphol Sincharoenkul collected the supply chain honour from Professor Kitipong Urapeepatanapong, Chairperson of the Stock Exchange of Thailand. STGT Chairman of the Executive Committee Vitanath Sincharoenkul accepted the sustainability certificate from Dr. Chaiyawat Wibulswasdi, Chairman of the SET Panel of Experts.
STA's award recognises supply chain management that is efficient, transparent and traceable at every stage, from raw material sourcing and production through transportation to final customer delivery. The company also collaborates with farmers and business partners via the Sri Trang Friends platform, sharpening operational efficiency and bolstering local economies while meeting international environmental and responsible sourcing requirements. STGT operates under the Clean World Clean Gloves concept, weaving sustainability through its value chain by manufacturing to established quality standards, using resources wisely, safeguarding employee health and safety, respecting human rights and maintaining transparent risk management and governance, thereby building confidence among customers, partners, investors and staff.
The Group continues to embed environmental, social and governance principles in its strategies, deepening collaboration with value chain stakeholders to produce measurable sustainability results. Recognition at the SET Awards 2026 affirms this direction, spurs greater competitiveness and strengthens Sri Trang Group's role in steering the natural rubber and rubber gloves industries toward stable and sustainable growth.
Toyo Tire To Sponsor EXPO 2027 Belgrade And Support Japan Pavilion
- By TT News
- October 31, 2026
Toyo Tire Corporation has announced its sponsorship of EXPO 2027 Belgrade, scheduled for 15 May to 15 August 2027 in Serbia's capital. The company will also support the Japan Pavilion at the exposition, which will be the first event of its scale ever held in the Western Balkans.
With more than 140 international participants from countries and regions worldwide, the exposition is expected to foster international exchange and showcase initiatives for future generations. As a Gold Partner, Toyo Tire will provide 41 electric carts for on-site transport, including 4- and 14-seater models, wheelchair-accessible vehicles and emergency vehicles.
The carts will feature a wrap design blending Toyo Tire's signature corporate blue with the event's concept colours, enlivening the venue and creating a festive sense of unity. The company will also host TOYO TIRE WEEK at the Japan Pavilion, presenting an exhibit reflecting its interpretation of the Pavilion's theme, ‘Play and Connect, Together Playful Spirit of Japan’.
Toyo Tire established its first European tyre production base in Indjija, near Belgrade, in 2022, added a sales subsidiary there in 2025 and plans a new European R&D Centre at the Serbia Plant site in 2027. Positioning Serbia as a key strategic base for European expansion, the company aims to contribute to Serbia's development, promote exchanges between Serbia and Japan and other countries and help make the event a resounding success.
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